The Round Tower is in the heart of Copenhagen.
There’s lots to see in Copenhagen, here’s part two of a three-part series.
The Round Tower was built between 1637 and 1642, and was used as an astronomical observatory until 1861 by the University of Copenhagen. It’s 114 feet tall and offers a good view of the Copenhagen skyline. There is still an observatory at the top, and it is open during the winter months and a limited period in the summer (I would think the lights of Copenhagen would interfere with the celestial views at night?).
The Round Tower is in the heart of Copenhagen.
The sloping circular walkway winds its way to the top of the Round Tower.
Visitors can take the circular walkway to the top for great views throughout the year.
View of Copenhagen from the Round Tower. The church in the center is The Church of Our Lady, discussed below.
The Round Tower is also very close to the 17th century Rosenborg Slot (castle) right in the heart of Copenhagen.
View of Rosenborg Castle (center right) from the Round Tower.
The Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke). This is the national cathedral of Denmark and several churches have been built on this spot since the 1200’s. Many coronations of Danish kings have happened here. The current edifice dates from 1829. This church has the famous Bertel Thorvaldsen’s marble statues of Christ and the apostles.
St. Peter, holding the keys of the Kingdom.
Statue of St. Paul in the The Church of Our Lady.
The Christus statue in The Church of Our Lady.
These works are very impressive and beautiful. Having seen a replica of the Christus at the Mormon Visitor’s Center in Salt Lake City I was very interested in seeing the original in Copenhagen.
Twizy by Renault. The Twizy, a small electric car built by Renault has a range of about 60 miles. Given how tight the seating area is, I wouldn’t want to go much farther than 60 miles! Ok, this isn’t specific to Copenhagen, but in such a compact city it would be a good way to get around! There was a promotion going on and my wife and son had to check it out.
The two-seater Twizy car.
Bicycles are a primary means of transportation throughout Copenhagen. The terrain is flat and bikes are much easier to park and maintain than cars in this city.
Ubiquitous bycicles in Copenhagen.
The Little Mermaid. I had imagined that this bronze sculpture would be more in the heart of Copenhagen, and was surprised that it’s located a bit north of the downtown (still within walking distance if you like long walks) and not too far from where the cruise ships dock.
The Little Mermaid contemplates life sitting on a rock right next to the shore.
This statue is the symbol of Copenhagen and always has a crowd around it, even though it’s fairly small and not all that exciting!
St. Alban’s Church (The English Church). This is a 19th century Anglican Church, built in the late 1800’s for the considerable English population in Copenhagen. It definitely has the look and feel of a British countryside church.
St. Alban’s Church and Gefion fountain.
Some of the building materials (such as the roof tiles) are from England. Next to the church is Gefion fountain, celebrating the Norse goddess, Gefion.