Amalienborg
Amalienborg Castle
Amalienborg is regarded as one of the largest and finest expressions of Danish rococo architecture. The area consists of four identical buildings, which surround the octagonal castle square. In the middle of the castle square stands an impressive statue of King Fredrik the Fifth, who was the founder of Amalienborg. If you are in Copenhagen this is definitely a place worth visiting.
The four palaces
The four palaces all have an identical facade, but different interiors. Christian VII's palace is located southwest and has been used since 1885 to provide accommodation and entertainment to important guests. Christian VIII's palace is located northwest and was the home of Crown Prince Frederik until 2011. Frederick VIII's palace is located northeast and was the home of Queen Ingrid until her death in 2000. It has now been renovated and become the home of Crown Prize Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. Christian IX's palace is located southeast and is the home of Queen Margrethe.
A little history
Built in the 1750s, Amalienborg was originally intended to house four noble families, but became the home of the Danish royal family in 1794, when Christianborg castle burned down. Amalienborg is named after the summer castle of Queen Sophie Amalie, who previously stood in the same place. The summer castle burned down in 1689, and when the new construction plans came on the court, it was architect Nicolai Eigtved who was commissioned. He was a supporter of the Rococo style and was inspired by the draft Concorde Square in Paris.
Amalienborg museum
The museum shows the private interior of the last kings and queens, as well as an exhibition of today's monarchy and its many traditions. Here you get an insight into the duties and traditions that characterize the royal, so you can get a better understanding of what it is like to be royal today. The story told in the museum goes back 150 years to Christian IX and Queen Louise. The rooms of this couple as well as their descendants are intact and have a military, Victorian and chivalrous feel.
The Royal Guard
Amalienborg is protected by the Royal Life Guard 24 hours a day. We recommend going to Amalienborg at 12 noon, as the garden has a change of guard after marching through the streets of Copenhagen. If the queen is at home in Amalienborg, the Royal Guard also marches next to the changing of the guard, along with a corps playing traditional military marches. From the castle square you can also go out into the lovely Amaliehaven, which was originally a gift from the AP Møller and Chastine McKinney Møller foundation to the people of Copenhagen.
