Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the oldest cities of Europe, the capital of Denmark, the biggest city with the population of 500 000 inhabitants (1,5 mil. including the suburbs of Copenhagen). The city was founded by Bishop Absalon and the first records about it are dated back to the year of 1043. Original habitation on the island( the current name of the island is  Slotsholmen) was called “Havn” (“harbour”) but soon it expanded, got its military and trade meaning and was called “merchants` harbour”- København.

 

In the 12th c. Copenhagen got the status of the town and in the 15th c. it became a capital and a royal residence. In the 16th c. thanks to King Cristian IV Copenhagen gained its architectural unity. In that period many towers and castles were built, many of which preserve its original appearance.

During its history Copenhagen underwent two destructive fires, the siege of the Swedes in 1660, the artillery fire of the English in 1807 for the unity of Denmark with Napoleon, the siege of fascists in 1940-1945. However Copenhagen has preserved its architectural appearance.

Now Copenhagen is a busy and prosperous city where harmoniously coexist picturesque gardens, monumental architecture of the past, modern style buildings and disagner`s discoveries of the past century. Copenhagen is very friendly and multinational. It`s not only a big tourist center, but it`s also a motherland of famous commercial and financial organizations.

Copenhagen has a reputation of “the most southern capital of Northern Europe”. Framed by water canals, with narrow streets and old houses made of stone, the city doesn’t lose its connection with nature: vast parks show green not far from the center, artificial lakes decorate western part of Copenhagen.

Copenhagen and its suburbs are famous for its museums, castles and palaces. Amalienborg Palace, castles Rosenborg, Cristiansborg, Frederiksborg, Cronborg will tell you the history of Danish monarchy, the oldest monarchy in the world, now headed by Queen Margaret II.

The most famous museums of Copenhagen are the National Museum, the National Gallery, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Thorvaldsens Museum. In Copenhagen and its suburbs there are a lot of churches, for example, the Marble Church, the Church of the Saviour, Cristians- Kirke and many others.

Copenhagen offers a wide range of restaurants, shops and entertainments, and the most popular is Tivoli. Amusement park Tivoli was built special for the King Christian VIII. Since that time till nowadays Tivoli is a favourite place of entertainment for copenhageners and the city guests. There are lots of attractions, musical and theatrical performances, concerts with jazz and classical music, fountains and fireworks.

In the city there are a lot of cultural events, for example, Copenhagen fashion week, different cinema festivals, carnivals and jazz festivals.

 

 
Photo: Marina V. Vorobyeva