Christiansborg Slot

The history of Christiansborg Slot spans over 800 years of political transitions and architectural resilience. The current palace is the third iteration built on this site, succeeding two previous structures that were destroyed by devastating fires in 1794 and 1884. While it serves as the seat of the Danish Parliament and the Supreme Court, the palace also remains a royal residence used for official functions.

Below the current cattle, it's still possible to see the ruins of Bishop Absalon’s original castle from 1167. That exhibit provides a physical timeline of the city’s defensive evolution.

The Royal Reception Rooms are the centerpiece of the palace and are still used by the King for gala banquets and diplomatic audiences. The Great Hall is the most significant room in the wing and features the famous Queen’s Tapestries. These 17 modern tapestries were designed by artist Bjørn Nørgaard and depict 1000 years of Danish history from the Viking Age to the present. The vivid colors and intricate details of the weaving make it one of the most comprehensive artistic projects in modern Danish history.

The Royal Stables date back to 1740 and survived the fires that claimed the main palace buildings. The stables are a living museum where the royal horses are still kept and trained for official duties. The stable complex includes an ornate riding arena and a museum of state coaches and harnesses. The most impressive item in the collection is the Golden State Coach which is covered in 24 carat gold leaf and has been used for royal processions and New Year levees since 1840.

The Royal Kitchen exhibit offers a unique look into the logistics of feeding hundreds of guests during the reign of King Christian X. The space has been restored to reflect a single day in 1937 during a gala banquet preparation. It features one of the largest collections of copper kitchenware in Europe with hundreds of polished pots, pans, and molds. The exhibit uses sound and lighting to simulate the heat and activity of a working royal kitchen where master chefs and confectioners once prepared elaborate multi course meals for the European aristocracy.

Interestingly, Christiansborg Slot is the only building in the world that houses a country’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches all in one building.Read more