Christian IV, who was born at Frederiksborg, had a vision for his construction projects and for what was suitable for a king during the Renaissance. However, this did not prevent him from changing both plans and embellishments along the way and introducing new fashions. As far as Frederiksborg was concerned it was a grand vision.
He began the construction works in 1599 by building a country villa called 'Sparepenge' ('Savings') north of the Castle Lake for storage of his royal armours, weapons and works of art. Immediately after that the old manor houses on the outermost islet, and later those on the middle islet, were torn down. His father's buildings on the first islet were preserved.
The magnificent Frederiksborg Castle
Over a period of years up to 1621, the King built a magnificent castle which, together with Kronborg Castle, was among the most outstanding castles in all of Europe. It is uncertain who was the architect. The King's Dutch master builder Steenwinckel the Elder had died in 1601. Perhaps the well-educated Majesty himself was the master builder in close collaboration with the associated builders. According to their contracts, they were to carry out the construction work ”according to the template graciously placed in their hands by the King”.
Read more about the main castle here
Last updated:: Monday, December 05, 2011
