Absalon’s Castle Ruins

After 1369, Copenhagen Castle was rebuilt on top of the remains of Absalon’s Castle. The space was tight in the new castle and the kings broke down the building and built new ones.

Christian IV wished to lay his mark on Copenhagen’s Castle. He added another floor to the Blue Tower with a flaunting copper spire.

In the end, the foundation could not bear the enormous and heavy castle and it was clear that it was in danger of collapsing at any time. Christian VI tore down the castle and built a whole new one, the first Christiansborg Castle, completed in 1745.

When casting the foundations of the present Christiansborg Palace, workers struck upon the ruins of older buildings and the remnants of the initial wall by accident. Experts were called in from the National Museum, and a close inspection revealed that the ruins dated back as far as 1167. 

Walking around the underground site, you get an idea of how the castle was continually renewed and developed.Read more