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History
Built in the Dutch Renaissance style with tapering towers, sandstone ornaments and red masonry, Rosenborg Castle was designed by King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway in the early 17th century. Enclosed by the verdant King’s Gardens in Copenhagen, Rosenborg Castle was built as the summer residence of the Danish Royal Family.
King Christian IV epitomised Renaissance monarchy – he spent most of his life leading his country in the bloody wars of the seventeenth century, including the Thirty Years’ War, and later he lost an eye in a sea battle against Sweden, but at the same time King Christian IV took an equally decisive leadership in the arts and culture.
As well as designing Rosenborg Castle, he was an enthusiastic patron of music and the arts. King Christian IV built many other historic buildings including the Round Tower in Copenhagen, leading to his popular title “the Builder King”. He died in Rosenborg Castle in 1648.
Rosenborg Castle was used as a residence of the Danish Royal Family until 1710, and since that time it has housed the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia of Denmark, including the famous Unicorn Throne. It has been open to the public as a museum since 1838.
Discover the secrets of Rosenborg Castle for yourself at www.rosenborgslot.dk.