كوبنهاغن
Christiansborg Palace stands on the small island of Slotsholmen, in the centre of Copenhagen. Today's palace is the third with this name and was finished in 1928.
An island of castles
There have been castles on this little island for more than 800 years. A bishop built the first one in 1167. Then came Copenhagen Castle, which for centuries was the home of the Danish kings.
In the early 1730s King Christian VI had it completely torn down. In its place he built the first Christiansborg Palace, finished in 1745.
Three palaces
The second palace was finished in 1828, during the reign of Frederik VI. Today's palace was built between 1907 and 1928, designed by the architect Thorvald Jørgensen.
King Frederik VIII laid the first stone. The official opening was on 12 January 1928, with a big celebration in the state rooms.
The Ridebane
The long courtyard in front of the palace is called the Ridebane, meaning “riding track”. It was built from 1738 by the architects Elias David Häusser and Nicolai Eigtved. Its style is Baroque, rich and showy. By 1746 every stall was full.
All around stand the buildings where the royal horses live. Upstairs there was a small hall for court shows.
