The Round Tower

Today was a beautiful day for getting out and exploring. I have been working in the yard now for a couple of weeks, along with the boys (when they were available) and it was time for a break!! We took the train into Nørreport, walked past my favorite cafe, Paludan's (great vanilla lattes). This is where I often meet my friend Micki for coffee and girl talk. Within sight is The Round Tower.

The Round Tower was built by King Christian IV between 1637-1642. The tower was the first part of the Trinity Complex, which united three of the most important facilities available to 17th-century scholars: an astronomical observatory, a student's church and Copenhagen's first university library.

As you approach the tower, on the outside near the top is a gilt rebus designed by Christian IV himself. The rebus can be interpreted as: Guide God, proper learning and justice into the heart of the crowned Christian IV, 1642.

Cameron is peeking out from the alcove

As you enter and begin your ascent upward, you follow a unique spiral walkway, which is 686 feet long and corkscrews 7 1/2 times around the hollow core of the 114 foot tower. The boys had a blast running from bottom to top and hiding in the alcoves which must have housed plants or statues in their day. It was Christian IV's wish to be driven by horse and carriage from bottom to the top of the observatory. The Round Tower is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.

Situated halfway up the Round Tower is the library that once housed over 10,000 books. The books have been moved to new premises and the library area is used for changing art and cultural exhibitions. The one that was open today was a "hand on", "please touch and feel" exhibit. Everything was very textural and interesting. 

We learned today that not only did many famous scientists and astronomers use this tower, but many scholars and writers did as well. Hans Christian Anderson frequented the library and he even mentions the Round Tower in his story "The Tinder Box" in 1835, where the brave soldier met an old ugly witch, who told him about the old hollow tree with the three loaded money-chests that could make him rich, but were guarded by tree dogs - one with eyes as big as saucers, one with eyes as big as mill wheels and one with eyes as big as the Round Tower of Copenhagen.


The tower walkway ends at a spiral staircase that takes you up to the viewing platform, or observation deck that surrounds the outside of the tower. You can see for miles in every direction which is magnificent. The following pictures were taken from different areas on the deck. 

 Old Latin Quarters

Church of Our Lady (far right), Tower of the Town Hall (center)

Christiansborg Palace (right),  Nikolaj Copenhagen Contempory Art Center (left)

Marmorkirken (Marble Church) 

The deck is surrounded by an elaborate wrought-iron lattice from 1643. There are many different sections, but one that I found interesting (and is pictured below) is Christians IV's monogram and the letters RFP, which is the kings motto: Piety strengthens the realms.

It was a fun outing, followed by Sunday dinner with Randell (who rested up at home for 3rd shift tonight).