The Mighty Christiansborg Palace: A Sight To Behold
As I walked through the grand entrance of Christiansborg Palace on the Slotsholmen Castle Island, I was immediately struck by its majestic atmosphere and regal splendour. I felt as if I was in the middle of a movie – everything around me felt so baroque and extravagant! On either side of the foyer, identical façades propped up resplendently with their square windows, arched frames and sculpted figurines, all topped with a crown. It was like these mighty crowns were echoing the palace’s royal context! Who knew a single visit could be so awe-inspiring?
Paying homage to the royal families who once graced this spot in the 17th century, before the palace was destroyed by fire, Christiansborg Palace is a symbol of the past. Sitting atop a small island, which has been the same since the first castle was built here in the 11th century, the atmosphere is still one of tranquility and seclusion from the encircling seawater channels.
Towering above the rest of the palace building stands the Christiansborg Tower, which is also the tallest building in the city of Copenhagen – a feat that speaks to its own grandeur. But the palace is not only a testament to the past, but also a reminder of current politics; as it has been the official seat of parliament since Denmark moved its capital from Roskilde to Copenhagen in the fourteenth century.
As I sauntered through the cobblestoned front yard of the palace, I was met with an intoxicating blend of royal and political overtones, as well as opulent designs and unrivalled architecture. But the most remarkable sight was yet to come – the figure of a gallant Absalon, astride a powerful steed. It was here, in 1167, that Bishop Absalon first erected a stronghold to ward off seafaring pirates. For many centuries, castles were built and destroyed in this same location, until finally, the fortress that stands today emerged from the flames.
The fifth iteration of Christiansborg Palace stands upon the hallowed grounds memorialized by the majestic Absalon horseback statue. In 1740, majestic courtyards featuring royal stables, canals, and a court theatre were constructed. Later, in 1826, the royal palace Church was also completed. After an unfortunate 17th-century fire compelled the royal family to relocate, they found a new home at Amalienborg Palace, which has since become their official residence.
My heart soared as I stepped beneath the massive metallic gate of the breathtaking Christiansborg Palace, the legislative seat of Denmark, shrouded in its identical neoclassical design. For a mere €20 entry ticket, I was granted access to four different areas of the palace, including the grand hallways that are reserved for royal receptions on special occasions. As I eagerly followed the cobblestoned path, I felt absolutely ecstatic to embark on my palace tour.
What to see in Christiansborg Palace?
In a matter of minutes, I found myself standing in a room with pristine blue carpets – quite a sight to behold! Of course, before I could take a single step on those plush carpets, I had to make sure I was wearing my trusty plastic shoe covers. After all, it’s only polite to protect the carpets from dust – and let’s face it, these elaborately decorated staterooms deserve the utmost respect!
Exploring Christiansborg Palace was an awe-inspiring experience. It’s the world’s largest Scandinavian Palace and the only structure that houses all three branches of government – the Queen’s office, the Prime Minister’s office, and the national parliament. On my tour, I was first taken to the royal reception – an elegant area where the Queen receives international guests. It was breathtaking!
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The Queen’s Reception Rooms
The majestic Queen’s reception rooms in the illustrious Christiansborg Palace are truly a sight to behold. Even though the royal family resides in Amalienborg Palace, Her Majesty graciously receives foreign delegates here from time to time. On these special occasions, the palace is alive with the bustle of influential figures. But fear not, tourists like us can also get to experience the grandeur of the Queen’s reception rooms – though only when the Queen is not present, of course!
Each reception room is resplendently adorned with exquisite paintings, furnishings, and artwork, with most of them being reclaimed from majestic palaces of the bygone eleventh century. A true feast for the eyes, these items of historical significance will take your breath away!
The Great Ballroom of Queen Elizabeth II proudly displays an exquisite collection of 17 extraordinary tapestries – a gift from Denmark’s business community to celebrate her 50th birthday. Each intricately crafted tapestry, masterfully woven and painted by the renowned Bjørn Nørgaard, exquisitely depicts a thousand years of Danish history and its impact on the world. Across the hall in the Alexandra Hall, elegant dinners are held in an equally grandiose setting.
Oval Throne and the Tower Room
My guided tour of the renowned Christiansborg palace revealed two of its most esteemed rooms: the Oval Throne and the Tower Room. This is where Her Majesty and the Prime Minister of Denmark manage the affairs of the kingdom.
As I traversed the stately chambers, I was awestruck by the plethora of wall paintings, couture ceilings, and historic artifacts that grace the palace. Each piece was a reminder of the grandeur of this majestic palace, and why it is rightfully the home of the Danish Monarch.
The Ruins Further Down
On my tour of the Palace, my guide regaled me with tales of the ruins just beyond. According to the story, artisans discovered a curtain wall while they were laying the foundation, and behind it lay the ruins of an ancient palace! Denmark’s National Museum was soon called in to investigate, and after examining the ruins, the royal family decided to preserve them and open it to the public in 1924. The ruins quickly gained attention, and to this day you must enter through a separate entrance to the inner courtyard to see the remains of the original castle. What a fascinating story!
Christiansborg Palace Royal Kitchen
The royal kitchens of Christiansborg Palace are a veritable foodie’s paradise, where the tantalizing aromas of hundreds of luxurious banquets have been prepared using Europe’s largest copperware collection. Indulge your tastebuds in this gourmet wonderland!
The Palace Church
The Palace Church, a stunning 18th-century structure that’s open for the public to admire only on Sundays, is a Copenhagen cornerstone. This church, which was renovated in the 1990s, is a beloved favourite of the royal family and the Parliament, and is truly a sight to behold!
The Court Theatre
The awe-inspiring Christiansborg Palace’s Court Theatre, built in the 17th century, is a captivatingly small hippodrome that has been preserved in its original state since it was constructed centuries ago! Not only does it have a spell-binding ambience, but it also houses a museum with a truly remarkable collection that spans the history of Danish theatre from the 17th century to the present day. And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s conveniently located right by the Royal Stable, so you can get your fill of horse-riding after taking in the theatre’s charms.
The Danish Theatre Museum is bursting with artwork, costumes, set models, designs, drawings and photo illustrations of theatre history. Even the illustrious Hans Christian Andersen, author of renowned fairytales, is said to have spent a year at the renowned ballet school! Stop by any day of the week between 12 and 4 p.m. and travel back in time to explore the fascinating history of theatre.
The Royal Stables
Step back in time and experience the grandeur of the 17th century at the Royal Stables! Here, you can admire the majestic white horses and indulge in the regal carriage collection. Between April and June, and August to March, the Royal Stable is open to the public from 1:30 to 4 p.m. every day except for Monday. But, we don’t want you to miss out, so in July, the stable is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come join us and take a journey through history!
Christiansborg Palace Tower
For an amazing bird’s eye view of Copenhagen, journey to the city’s highest point – the majestic Palace Tower! It won’t cost you a penny to climb to the summit, but there’s usually a queue so be prepared. And while you’re there, why not treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Tower restaurant? From Tuesday to Saturday it’s open from 11am – 9pm and on Sundays from 11am – 5.30pm – a great way to end your epic ascent!
A few things to remember
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To have a distraction-free visitation, keep it quiet in the palace.
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The Palace is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Mondays when it is closed.
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From May to September, the palace is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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When the Queen or the parliament use it, it remains closed on special occasions.
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Visit the parliament, which is only open to visitors on guided tours.
