In 1731 King Christian VI demolished the ageing Copenhagen Castle. Instead he let his master builder Elias David Häusser erect the first Christiansborg Palace with assistance from the two talented architects Nicolai Eigtved and Lauritz de Thurah. The result was a magnificent baroque palace including a riding ground complex and a palace chapel.
The palace complex was by and large finished in 1745. In 1766 a Court Theatre was established at the Riding Ground Complex’s buildings. Today it accommodates The Theatre Museum.
Already in 1794, however, a fire ruined the palace and the chapel. Only the Riding Ground Complex was saved. Today this is the only preserved part of the building from the first lavish palace.
Last updated:: Thursday, August 11, 2011
