Friday, April 16, 2010

The Influence of Christian IV


Saturday, April 3, 2010 (Part 8):

Following our brief rest in the Marble Church, we walked east toward Rosenborg Slot - The Rose Castle. This Castle, like so much else in Copenhagen, was built by Christian IV (C4) who ruled Denmark during the first half of the 17th Century. This was just one of several castles that the royal family lived in at the time, and this was one was the smallest. But is was Christian IV's favorite.

One of the things about Rosenborg Slot that makes it truly unique is that Christian IV planned that the rooms in this castle were to be preserved as a museum for future generations. So there are many original items of art and
furniture in this castle. And subsequent kings followed Christian IV's lead and made rooms here personal to them and aimed toward their preservation. [Footnote: Most of the kings of Denmark were named either Christian or Frederik.]

As already mention, Rosenborg Slot is relative small -- with only about 6 or 7 rooms on each floor, but they were all interesting. Some of the rooms that were the most memorable were the mirror room, the porcelain room, and the throne room where three life-sized silver lions guard the thrones. Also at Rosenborg Slot is the royal "treasury" where the crown jewels are kept. This display is not as large and extravagant as the crown jewel collection at the Tower of London, but it was still impressive. We saw three crowns, an orb and scepter set, and lots of ladies' jewelry.

Rosenborg Slot is also surrounded by some beautiful grounds, including some formal gardens. Today, it serves as a park -- open to the general public, and it is very well used -- even on a day as chilly as this particular Saturday.

No comments:

Post a Comment