ROSENBORG CASTLE (ROSENBORG SLOT)

An architectural gem to protect the crown jewels! After all, this is where the royal jewels are kept. In fact, as soon as you enter the château, you're greeted by a veritable hedge of guards. Security is a must! Certain pieces may occasionally be worn by the royal family (with the exception of the crown). Before entering through the safe door leading to the basement showcases, take time to admire the Salon Vert and its astonishing bric-a-brac of crockery. Ivory mugs, rock crystal, gifts collected up to 1696 - 699 pieces no less, on display in the green-painted room! One of the four towers flanking the main building. An extraordinary testimony to Western and Eastern art of the ^16th and ^17th centuries.

The castle itself was built for Christian IV, between 1606 and 1633. It has been admirably preserved since, unlike the King's other properties, it suffered no damage from fire or bombardment. It served as a secondary residence for Danish sovereigns for a century, before housing the court following the destruction of Christiansborg at the end of the ^18th century. The interior underwent a number of modifications under the various successors. In 1833, the decision was taken to open it to the public, much to our delight.

A journey back in time awaits you in the second-floor Long Hall, formerly known as the Salle des Chevaliers, where the coronation throne is enthroned! Monarchs used it from 1871 to 1940. Made of ivory and narwhal tooth, it is surrounded by three ^17th-century silver lions. Raise your head and discover the stucco ceiling decorated with the Danish coat of arms surrounded by the orders of the Elephant and Dannebrog. The tour through the various rooms will help you understand the chronology of the different reigns that succeeded one another at the head of the country up to Frederik VII (for the rest, you'll have to go to Amalienborg, to the palace of Christian VIII) through paintings and furniture. Rosenborg's charm lies in the feeling of visiting an inhabited castle..

Don't hesitate to take a stroll through the King's Garden (Kongens Have), the vast park that surrounds the castle. It's very popular with Copenhageners, who come here to undress in the sunshine: it's the most central park. And the view of the castle is splendid.