Copenhagen: One of the most beautiful cities of Europe
29 Mar 2012
Carnival City Christiansborg Palace Copenhagen Danish Parliament Denmark Rosenborg Palace
Eduard
The fascinating Copenhagen, successfully manages to concentrate all the essences of Denmark, the best time to visit the city is between May and September, winter is a bit too frosty for those accustomed to moderate. Copenhagen is happy – because temperate maritime climate – summers cool and pleasant. From April to September festivals and events take place famous worldwide: Jazz Festival, Festival Golden Ages, Carnival City and others.
Canals, lakes and great form behind to modern Copenhagen scenario that constantly reminds the rich heritage of the city as a major Baltic port. The same is also reflected in the name of the city, København stands for Købmanne Hafen (port merchants).
Danish Capital was founded in 1167, when Bishop Absalon built a bastion on the island Slotsholmen, today the place in which was found Christiansborg Palace and Danish Parliament. In 1417, the city became the capital of an empire that extended not only on the present territory of Denmark, but parts of Sweden and Norway. Many of Copenhagen’s most impressive buildings were built during the reign of Christian IV (1588-1648).
Monuments and Børsen (Stock), Rundetårn (Round Tower) and Rosenborg Palace plans its size, all of them is due to the network of canals and Christianshavn (an island in the inner harbor). In the centuries that followed, Copenhagen was ravaged by plague, two major fires and military attacks by the Swedes (in the eighteenth century) and the British (in the nineteenth century). Architecture downtown is so characterized by centuries XVII, XVIII and XIX – buildings built on the foundations of medieval streets.
Copenhagen is now the largest city in Scandinavia but nevertheless retains a pleasant provincial locality. Gabled houses, narrow streets and a skyline dominated by delicate spiers rather than hulking skyscrapers are all typical of the city. Copenhagen is also the greenest capital in Europe – much of the center is reserved for pedestrians, strict anti-pollution laws are enforced and bikes often exceeds the number of cars on the street. Green spaces (including the famous Tivoli) abound, and summer, cafes and restaurants occupy the pavements. Danes are proud of their attractive city and well kept and enjoy a quality of life they are happy to share with visitors from other countries.
Copenhagen boasts in theaters, museums and surprisingly lively nightlife scene. Danish cinema is discernible in the international film circuit and Danish furniture, technology and jewelery remain at the forefront of contemporary design. The most beautiful things in Denmark are found in the capital, where modern architecture deals with confidence spaces of old buildings, military units and sea. A road bridge to Sweden, completed in 2000, has grown more important of Copenhagen for Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea, but for the rest of Europe.