The current Christiansborg Palace is just the last in a number of buildings which have been situated at Slotsholmen in Copenhagen for more than 800 years. Through the centuries, one building has been replaced by the next because of wars, modernisation urges and fires.
Power base of the kingdom
Since the fifteenth century, the various castles and palaces have been the power centre of the kingdom, regardless of whether this power has been executed by elected kings, hereditary kings or elected politicians.
The palaces served as the main residence of the royal power from the fifteenth century and up until 1794 where the Royal Family moved its residence to Amalienborg. To this very day, the Royal Family uses large parts of Christiansborg; the Royal Reception Rooms, Christiansborg Palace Chapel and the Riding Ground Complex, which e.g. houses the Royal Mews.
The Supreme Court has had its premises at the various castles since its foundation in 1661. The Rigsdag (now the Folketing) moved into Christiansborg after democracy was introduced in 1849. Finally parts of the Prime Minister’s Office moved to Christiansborg in 1968 while the rest followed in 1980.
Last updated:: Thursday, August 11, 2011
