Amalienborg - Home to Royals
Amalienborg is the principal royal residence of the Danish monarchy in Copenhagen.
It is renowned for its harmonious rococo architecture and its central role in Denmark’s royal life. The name “Amalienborg” originates from Queen Sophie Amalie, consort of Frederick III, who in the 1660s established a lavish summer retreat called Sophie Amalienborg in this area. That palace was destroyed by fire in 1689, but the name persisted and was later given to the new royal complex built nearby.
The Amalienborg we know today was created in the mid-18th century as part of an ambitious urban project known as Frederiksstaden. This district was commissioned by King Frederick V in 1749 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Oldenburg dynasty’s accession to the Danish throne. The project, designed largely by the court architect Nicolai Eigtved, aimed to showcase the wealth and prestige of the kingdom through elegant rococo palaces, wide streets, and the grand axis leading to the waterfront. At its heart lay a great octagonal square, around which four identical palaces were erected between 1750 and 1760. These palaces were originally built for noble families: Moltke, Schack, Levetzau, and Brockdorff.
However, in 1794, when Christiansborg Palace burned down, the royal family purchased Amalienborg and moved in. Since then, it has been the main residence of Denmark’s monarchs. Each of the four palaces has had distinct occupants and functions over time.
Christian VII’s Palace was primarily used for state representation.
Christian VIII’s Palace housed heirs to the throne and now contains the home of Princess Benedikte and the Amalienborg Museum.
Frederick VIII’s Palace served as a royal residence and, after renovations, became the home of the now King Frederik X and Queen Mary and of course their four children.
Christian IX’s Palace remains the official residence of the abdicated Queen Margrethe II.
Amalienborg has thus been both a home and a symbol of monarchy, embodying continuity through centuries of political change. Its central square, dominated by the equestrian statue of Frederick V created by Jacques Saly, remains a ceremonial space where guards parade daily, drawing many visitors.
Adjacent to Amalienborg is the Frederik’s Church, better known as the Marble Church. Its foundation stone was laid in 1749, also as part of Frederiksstaden, with the intent of glorifying the monarchy and the Lutheran church. Designed initially by Eigtved, it was envisioned in grand style but construction halted due to cost overruns and political shifts. For over a century, the church stood unfinished until it was finally completed in 1894 under architect Ferdinand Meldahl, funded by industrialist C. F. Tietgen. Today its vast dome, the largest in Scandinavia, dominates the skyline and forms a dramatic backdrop to Amalienborg, symbolizing the close link between throne and altar in Danish history.
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