| Kongens
Nytorv (Kings New Square)
Kongens
Nytorv was established by King Christian
V (1646-1699 - ruled Denmark and Norway 1670–99)
in 1670, after the area was used as a dumping
ground and landing place for cargo from ships that embarked
at Nyhavn.
| Kongens
Nytorv 1860 with the first horse-driven tramcar
in Copenhagen – Hotel D'Angleterre from
1795 is the large building at the back. The first
equestrian statue in Scandinavia was the monument
at Kongens Nytorv of King Frederik V. |
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In
1688 a baroque garden complex with trees
around it was inaugurated together with an
equestrian statue of King Christian V in gilded gold placed
in the middle. The monument was the first equestrian
statue in Scandinavia. In 1946 a new statue in bronze
replaced the former one in gold. The King also allowed building
of noble houses around the square.
In
1749 the entire square was rebuilt by King Frederik
V (1723-1766 - ruled Denmark and Norway 1746–1766)
as a military drill and ceremony ground for the Kings troops
until 1908, where the square was re-established
to the form and architecture it has at the present.
| Kongens
Nytorv with the Royal Theatre to the left and Magasin
du Nord on the right. The Metro Station is beside
the department store. |
|
Historic
buildings and mansions
Today the square is a busy site with many historic buildings
around it - and every year for centuries, students have celebrated
their graduation here.
The historic buildings around the square comprises:
-
The Charlottenborg Mansion from1672
and the oldest building on the square – built in Baroque
style. At the back of the mansion the first Botanic Gardens
from 1778 was located here.
-
The Thotts Palace built in Baroque style and the
next eldest building from 1683. Today housing
the French Embassy.
-
The
Harsdoffske Mansion (Det Harsdoffske
Palæ) from
1748 and once Eigtveds Mansion (leading
court architect Nicolai Eigtved),
was in 1898 the headquarters for
the Foreign Ministry until 1923.
| Kongens
Nytorv in 1932 with the French Embassy in the last
building to the right and the dome of the Marble
Church at the back. |
|
| Students
dancing around "Krinsen" in 1930 celebrating
their graduation, which has been a tradition for
centuries. |
|
-
The Royal Danish Theatre or the National Theatre
from 1872.
-
Hotel D'Angleterre from 1795 and
best known by the Copenhageners for its admirable Christmas
decoration of the hotel building. (Top photo showing the Christmas
decoration)
-
Magasin du Nord – Denmark’s first
department store from 1893 and built in French
Renaissance style.
-
Hvids Vinstue from1773 and
the oldest Wine bar in Copenhagen. The Wine bar serves more
than 30 different types of beer and the interior is from 1880.
World famous writer
H. C. Andersen was a frequent guest here, while living
at Nyhavn.
Students
and their tradition
An old tradition every year at Kongens Nytorv is when students
graduate in June and come to the square in busses to dance
and run around “Krinsen” in the
middle of Kongens Nytorv, celebrating their graduation, while
throwing their students caps in the air.
| The
old Kiosk from 1913, designed in Baroque style was
the first public telephonic connection, where citizens
could call everyday from 10 am to 8 pm – except
Sundays. |
|
| The
Nyhavn canal went right up to the square in older
days. Today Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s
most bustling places - just for people to hang out
or visit the many bars and restaurants. |
|
On
and around the square
The old Kiosk and Telephone stand from 1913
on the Square is the first public telephonic connection
in Copenhagen, where citizens could call everyday from 10 am
to 8 pm – except Sundays. The kiosk is designed in Baroque
style with a copper roof and hand carved ornaments.
Beside
all the historical houses - other attractions adjoins up to
the square such as Picturesque Nyhavn –
called Scandinavian longest bar - and the longest pedestrian
and shopping street in the world called “Strøget”
that starts at the Town Hall square and ends at Kongens
Nytorv has numerous resale boutiques offering a variety of guaranteed
authentic designer clothing and newest fashion wear.
In
the winter season the square is turned into an ice skating rink.
Location
Kongens Nytorv - the Kings Square - is located near the harbour
area and surrounded by
The French Embassy - Nyhavn - Charlottenborg - The Royal Theatre
- The Pedestrian Street "Strøget" - Hotel D'Angleterre
- Hvids Vinstue (Vine bar from 1773) and the Metro Station.
| Kongens
Nytorv
Address
Kongens Nytorv - The Kings square
Copenhagen
Busses: A1 - 15 - 26 - 20E and 350S
Trains
- Metro Station at Kongens Nytorv
Distance
from Town Hall Square 6 km. and expect 25-30 min. by
walk. |
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