Copenhagen - Denmark Part 3

And now to Part 3. Remniscent of the guards at Buckingham Palace in the UK, is this man with his Busby guarding the Royal Palace in Copenhagen.





With such a proliferation of bicycles, I suppose it was only to be expected that there would also be pedi-cabs. And whereas, in other countries and in warmer climes this mode of transportation would always have a hood to protect the passenger(s) from the elements, those to be seen here were open to catch whatever sunlight might happen to grace the day.



The horsedrawn carriage is also to be found in most of the larger cities being ever poular for a most relaxed way of touring the city and seeing the sights. As can be seen, this one was driven by a lady.




Street theatre with its human statues is another form which is to be observed far and wide today.







Another of the impressions that Copenhagen made upon me was the proliferation of churches many of them being quite elaborate structures, such as the one portrayed here.






The interior of some of the churches was quite plain alongside many that I have seen. Yet as can be seen here, they are far from being plain. And whereas in many instances some ineriors have been dark and mausoleum like, this particular one had a lightness and warmth immediately felt upon entering.



This was the first time that I had seen an organ which had stainless steel pipes.Perhaps others have also been so and had been painted to appear otherwise.






This view shows the spires of at least six churches, and was taken from the top of the Round Tower.









And this view taken from the same vantage point and a little further around can be seen at least another seven church spires.





The Round Tower was built on the initiative of King Christian IV (1588-16480). The architect was Hans Steenwinckel the Younger, and was completed in 1642. The Tower was the first stage of the Trinitatis complex with the other two stages being, a student's church, and a University library.




The spiral walk is unique in European architecture. The 209m long spiral ramp turns round the hollow core of the towerforming the only connection between the individual parts of the building.





The last few metres to the platform at the top of the tower is by way of a short staircase. The beautiful wrought iron lattice which runs around the edge of the platform was made in 1643 by Kasper Fincke, Court Artist in metalwork. In the lattice-work Christian IV's monogram and the letters RFP, the Kings motto: Regina,Firmat,Pieta - Piety strengthens the Realms.

The Round Tower is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. It was used by the University of Copenhagen until 1861. Today any-one can observe the night sky through the astronomical telescope of the tower in the winter period.

The library hall was used as a university library from 1657 to 1861. In 1987 the hall was re-opened after restoration and th 900m square room now serves for exhibition of art, culture, history, and science.

There are many canals for shipping in the city dating back to the very early days when ships were much smaller than todays behemoths. Today they are primarily used by small yachts and fishing vessels, as well as for tourist activity. In most instances they are to be found as part of the social scene, being often lined with cafes offering out-door eating on sunny days in pleasant surroundings.

Sight-seeing ferries were available to take you round the harbour with most being covered in. Yet, as can be seen here, not all were. And it would take a hardy tourist to brave such conditions on the day this photo was taken being bitterly cold with a fresh breeze blowing, as can be verified by the flags flying on the wharf.




One of the last things I observed prior to leaving, was this protest in one of the cities squares. I approached one of the lady's involved for a translation and explanation. The response I received made no sense to me whatso-ever, so I must leave it to your imagination to decide what it was all about.



My last impression, and involvement in, was the offer of, and participation in, Free Hugs. A most delightful departing gift which I would like to share with the readers of this blog