The King's Garden - Copenhagen, Denmark

Question: How has the King's Garden in Copenhagen changed over time?

The King’s garden in Copenhagen, Denmark is one of the most visited gardens in Copenhagen today. It was built over 400 years ago and has transitioned from one style of a garden to another throughout its history. The King’s garden is an extension of Rosenberg castle however it was built shortly before the main castle was built. King Christian IV originally built the castle in 1606. Its purpose was to be a summerhouse for the royal family. Both the castle and the gardens were built originally built in the Renaissance style. Just like the gardens, the castle changed and expanded on overtime.

           

When it was first built, both Rosenberg castle and the King’s garden were built in the renaissance style. There were many features that made the garden a renaissance style garden. First, the garden was expansive and outward looking which was something new when it came to renaissance design. Another new idea that came with the renaissance was the country retreat that the Romans originally had. Rosenberg was built as a summer retreat for the royal family and was used for that purpose for many years before it became open to the public. The garden also had and still does have features such as fountains, statues and gazebos. Like much of the Renaissance, these features came from the Italians. Finally, the gardens had orchards and vegetable plants that were used to feed the royal family. Today, you can still find fruit trees. Even though the garden was redesigned, many of these renaissance features remain today.

As the styles of the times began to change, the King’s garden was redesigned to reflect more of a baroque look. There was a central area where intricate paths all lead. There was also a garden maze that was a typical feature of the baroque gardens. These changes made it so that there is a juxtaposition of the old renaissance style and the baroque style of gardens.

Rosenberg has been used by both royal families and the Danish public alike and is enjoyed by all. It is a vast area where you can enjoy the gardens, statues, paths, and green areas, as well as the castle. The transition of the garden throughout its history makes it a place that can be enjoyed by the public today.

Sources and additional information:

http://www.visitcopenhagen.eu/kings-garden-copenhagen

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosenborg_Castle_Gardens

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosenborg_Castle

http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/nature/top-10-gardens-parks

Photo Sources:

Hulsen, Tim, and Miaomiao Zhou. The northeast side of Rosenberg castle and Rosenberg gardens. N.d. Photograph. OurTravelPicsWeb. 16 Mar 2014. <http://www.ourtravelpics.com/photo/copenhagen/437/>.

Hulsen, Tim, and Miaomiao Zhou. The Rosenberg Castle Gardens. N.d. Photograph. OurTravelPicsWeb. 16 Mar 2014. <http://www.ourtravelpics.com/photo/copenhagen/438/>.

Hulsen, Tim, and Miaomiao Zhou. The Rosenberg Castle Gardens 2. N.d. Photograph. OurTravelPicsWeb. 16 Mar 2014. <http://www.ourtravelpics.com/photo/copenhagen/447/>.