Rosenberg Slot

One of the castles I visited is Rosenberg Slot, which King Christain IV built in 1606-34 as a summer residence.  It is in the renaissance style--and under major restoration (most I have visited so far are having work done). The next three Danish monarchs livbed here until Frederik IV built Frederksberg Castle, which is amazing!! but I am saving that for another entry.

As early as 1838, this castle became a museum and the royal collections were open to the public, becoming Europe's first museum of contemporary culture.  Today, there are numerous beautiful things on display, from ivory tall ships and cameo-covered jewellery boxes, to the Danish crown jewels themselves, which are guarded by the Queen's guards in their bearskin hats. 

ivory ship--even the sails!

Christian IV's crown

The Crown of the Absolute Monarchy

Queen's crown

Christian IV's crown is on display and was used by him and Frederik III. It is beautifully inlaid with pearls, diamonds, rubies, shappires-- arranged to create significance. The Crown of the Absolute Monarchs were created in 1671(the queen's was from 1731) and used for the kings and queens from Christian V to Christian VIII.  See what I mean about all of the Danish kings being named Christian or Frederik?

a beautiful emerald set--maybe my next Christmas present?

In the Long Hall sits the royal thrones. It is made out of narwhale tusk (dating from 1665) with the queens thrown made entirely of silver (dating from 1733). Three detailed and stunning silver lions have guarded the kings of Denmark, they were made between l665-1670 in Copenhagen by Ferdinand Küblich.

The ceiling is amazing and depicts events happening around 1709. It shows the Danish coat-of-arms surrounded by the Orders of the Elephant (the highest honor) and the Dannebrog (which is the name of the Danish flag). The side reliefs depict historical events from the first years of the reign of Frederik IV: the liberation of the serfs, the founding of the dragoons and of the land militia among them.

the Long Hall

the thrones and the lions

Danish Coat of Arms

one of the lions

self-portrait

narwhale tusk throne

The castle is a must see when in Copenhagen.  I wandered around the gardens (more on that later) and had a picnic looking at the ducks in the moat. A lovely day all around, now to get Will here and show him Rosenberg's treasures.