CHRISTIANSBORG CASTLE (CHRISTIANSBORG SLOT)

The castle has been the center of power in Denmark since the ^12th century. It is located in the heart of the city, on the historic island of Slotsholmen. Today, it is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Folketing, the Ministry of State and the Supreme Court. Part of the building is used by the royal family for official events such as gala dinners and public audiences. The vagaries of history meant that it was destroyed and rebuilt several times during fires. In 1367, again in 1794, forcing the royal family and court to move to Amalienborg, and finally in 1884. In the meantime, it was demolished for the pleasure of Christian VI, who wanted a more comfortable residence,

The site as it stands today was completed in 1928. The walls are covered in granite, with the exception of the main facade, which is made of pebbles symbolically donated by 750 of the kingdom's communes. All that remains of the original Baroque royal castle, built in 1730, are the Marble Bridge (leading to Christiansborg's main entrance), the stables, the carousel and the court theater. The highlight of the ceremonial rooms is the Salle du Chevalier, with its cycle of tapestries by Bjørn Nørgaard. The tapestries were produced in France by the Gobelins and Beauvais factories, which had not received a royal commission for a very long time! They remain the most important contemporary tapestry commission of the ^20th century.

The royal kitchens sparkle with the brilliance of their copper utensils scattered around stoves and pianos, used to concoct the delights of royal banquets. The most famous recipes are on display: bouquetière garnish, royal ice cream, etc... Enough to make your mouth water!

The stables, still in operation, are home to the white Kladubers horses, introduced from the Czech Republic in 1994 at the request of the Prince Consort. What makes them so special is that they are born with a black coat that later turns completely white! You can watch their training in the quarry. Inside the marble stalls, the various carriages used by the court are on display.

The theater is a gem. Even if the façade and the steep staircase don't look very inviting, persevere. A graceful theater, all in powder pink, displays reconstructed sets and costumes. A small tearoom and terrace overlooking the château's main courtyard await you.