Rosenborg Castle

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Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is a small castle situated at the centre of the Danish capital, Copenhagen. The castle was originally built as a country summerhouse in 1606 and is an example of Christian IV's many architectural projects. It was built in the Dutch Renaissance style, typical of Danish buildings during this period, and has been expanded several times, finally evolving into its present condition by the year 1624. Architects Bertel Lange and Hans van Steenwinckel are associated with the structural planning of the castle.

The castle was used by Danish regents as a royal residence until around 1710. After the reign of Frederik IV, Rosenborg was used as a royal residence only twice, and both these times were during emergencies. The first time was after Christiansborg Palace burned down in 1794, and the second time was during the British attack on Copenhagen in 1801.

The castle is open to the public for tours and houses a museum exhibiting the Royal Collections, artifacts spanning a breadth of royal Danish culture, from the late 15th century of Frederik II to the 19th century. Some of these articles once belonged to the nobility and the aristocracy. The castle, now state property, was opened to the public in 1838.

The castle is popular with tourists to the capital as it is conveniently and centrally located, easily reached by both public bus routes and commercial tour buses. It attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors every year.

Of special interest to tourists is an exhibition of the Crown Jewels and the Danish Crown Regalia located in the castle.

The castle is situated in Kongens Have ("The King's Garden"), also known as "Rosenborg Castle Garden". The Rosenborg Castle Garden is the country's oldest royal garden and was embellished in the Renaissance style by Christian IV shortly before the construction of the main castle. Today, the gardens are a popular retreat in the centre of Copenhagen, and attract an estimated 2.5 million visitors every year. Next to the castle are barracks where the Danish Royal Life Guards, Den Kongelige Livgarde, perform exercises.