|
Canals,
lakes and the sea form the backdrop to modern Copenhagen and are a reminder of
the city's heritage as a major Baltic port. This role is also reflected in the
city's name, København, a corruption of købmanne hafen or merchants' harbour.
The
city's foundation dates back to 1167, when Bishop Absalon built a bastion on
the island of Slotsholmen, today the site of Christiansborg Palace and the
Danish parliament. In 1417, the city became the royal capital of a huge swathe
of Scandinavia that included not just Denmark but parts of Sweden and Norway.
Many of Copenhagen's most impressive buildings were constructed during the
celebrated reign of Christian IV (1588–1648). Existing monuments of the
monarch's grand building schemes include the Børsen (Stock Exchange), the
Rundetårn (Round Tower) and the Palace of Rosenborg. Christian IV was
responsible for Copenhagen's canal network and for the development of
Christianshavn (an island across the inner harbour) as a focus for trade and
shipping in the city. In the following centuries, an outbreak of plague, two
terrible fires, military attacks by the Swedes (in the 17th century) and the
British (in the 19th century) caused widespread damage to the city. The central
area of Copenhagen is therefore characterised by 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century
architecture – buildings constructed on the foundations of the medieval
streets.
Modern
Copenhagen is the largest city in Scandinavia but nevertheless retains a
disarmingly provincial, small-town atmosphere that is instantly appealing.
Gabled houses, narrow streets and a skyline that is dominated by delicate
spires rather than hulking skyscrapers are all typical of the city. Copenhagen
is also, arguably, the greenest capital in Europe – much of the centre is
reserved for pedestrians, strict anti-pollution laws are enforced and bikes
often outnumber cars on the streets. Green spaces (including the world-famous Tivoli)
abound, while, in the summer, cafés and restaurants occupy the pavements. The
citizens of Copenhagen seem justifiably proud of their attractive, well-kept
city and enjoy a quality of life that they are keen to share with visitors from
other countries.
Copenhagen
boasts theatres, museums and a lively, surprisingly cutting-edge nightlife
scene. Danish cinema is increasingly making its mark on the international film
circuit and Danish furniture, technology and jewellery remain at the forefront
of contemporary design. The best the country has to offer can be experienced in
the capital city, where design studios rub shoulders with ultra-hip bars, and
modern architecture boldly occupies the space between 17th-century buildings,
military installations and the sea. A road bridge to Sweden, completed in 2000,
is helping to make Copenhagen a key focal point for Scandinavia, the Baltic and
the rest of mainland Europe.
The
climate in Copenhagen is a temperate maritime one and generally quite
changeable. Winters are cold and cloudy but summers are warm and sunny.
Snowfalls are common between January and March and the wettest season is over
the months of August to October.
|
