Kongens Nytorv Copenhagen - Copenhagen Tourist

Kongens Nytorv - Copenhagen

*A Part of the Danish Cultural Heritage*

Kongens Nytorv

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Kongens Nytorv - (The Kings New Square)

"The King's New Square" established in 1670 - by King Christian V

Online & Onsite Sightseeing - Copenhagen


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The Equestrian Statue of King Christian V

The Equestrian statue of King Christian V in the centre of Kongens Nytorv - with the four corner figures symbolising Queen Artemisia - Alexander the Great - Pallas Athena and Hercules.

Kings New Square

King Christian V.

Historical Kongens Nytorv - 1670 (Kings New Square)

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 the Nyhavn quays nearby. The wealthy and aristocratic landowners with plots of land surrounding and facing the New Square - was allowed by the King to build Imposing Mansions - Stately Residences and Nobel Estates - with several floors - and with an attractive view over the Kings New Square.

Kongens Nytorv 1860 - and first Horse-Driven Tramcar

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.

The original Kings Square and first Equestrian Statue in Scandinavia
The original Square - which later became the Kings New Square - was established in 1688 - as a baroque garden complex with trees around it - and was inaugurated together with an equestrian statue of King Christian V - in gilded gold - that was placed in the middle of the round garden and park area. The equestrian monument was the first statue of its kind in Scandinavia. In 1946 - a new equestrian statue in bronze of King Christian V replaced the former one in gold.

Military drill and ceremony grounds at Kongens Nytorv
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 - and was used for this function until 1908 - where the square then was re-established to the form and architecture it has at the present.

Historic buildings and Mansions
Today the Kings New Square is a busy public site with many historic buildings around it - and every year for centuries - students have celebrated their graduation here - by dancing together in a ring around the royal equestrian statue.

Kongens Nytorv - Bombardement 1807

The Bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807 - by the British Navy. Painting by Christian August Lorentzen - and shown from the Kings New Square - with the equestrian statue of King Christian V to the right.

The Kings New Square - 1860

Hectic activity at the Kings New Square painted by Paul Fisher in 1860 - with market stalls all over the market square. The Charlottenborg Mansion is to the left - and the Royal Danish Theatre is illustrated at the back.

The historic buildings around the Kings New Square comprises:

The Royal Theatre

The Royal Danish Theatre - has since 1748 - been located at Kongens Nytorv in the very heart of Copenhagen - with seating facilities for almost 1600 theatregoers - and a special designed balcony for members of the Royal Family.

- The "Royal Danish Theatre" or the National Theatre - has since 1748 - been located at Kongens Nytorv.

- The "Charlottenborg Mansion" from 1672 - and the oldest building on the square - built in Baroque style. At the back of the mansion was the first Botanic Gardens from 1778 located.

- 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 - 1932

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"

New Students dancing around "Krinsen" in 1937 - celebrating their graduation - which has been a tradition for generations - and still is a yearly major event.

Students and their tradition at the Kings New Square
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.

Historical buildings - mansions - and landsmarks around the Kings New Square

Nyhavn

The Nyhavn Canal went right up to the Kings New Square until the late 1800s. Today Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s most bustling places - just for people to hang out or visit the many bars and restaurants.

- "Hotel D'Angleterre" from 1795 - and best known by the Copenhageners for its admirable Christmas decoration of the hotel building. (Top photo showing their yealy Christmas decoration)

- "Magasin du Nord" - Denmark’s first department store from 1893 - and built in French Renaissance style.

- "Hvids Vinstue" from 1773 - 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.

Nyhavn and "Strøget"
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.

See: Nyhavn

The Old Kiosk from 1913

The Old Kiosk from 1913 - designed in Baroque style was the first public telephonic connection - where citizens could call locally or long distance every day from 10 am to 8 pm - except for Sundays.

Nyhavn and the Memorial Anchor

At the entrance to Nyhavn - the Canal and Harbour area - there is always plenty of activity around Nyhavn and especially on the Square with the monument of the Memorial Anchor from 1872.

On and around the Kings New 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.

The Memorial Anchor at Nyhavn
The great Memorial Anchor (Mindeankeret) in front of Nyhavn is a monument commemorating the more than 1,700 Danish officers and sailors in service for the Navy - merchant fleet or Allied forces - who offered their life's during the Second World War. The Anchor was inaugurated in 1951 - and has a plague with a monogram of King Frederik VII on it. The Memorial Anchor is from 1872 - and was used on the Frigate Fyn (Funen) - which was docked at Holmen Naval Base during the Second World War.

Ice skating Rink
In the winter season the square is sometimes turned into an ice skating rink.

Location
Kongens Nytorv - the Kings New 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

Trains - Metro Station at Kongens Nytorv

Distance from Town Hall Square 6 km. and expect 25-30 min. by walk.

Kongens Nytorv
(The Kings New Square)

To be updated!

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