Listen closely. Imagine Copenhagen ablaze in the fire of 1728. Now, stand here where the Marking of old town hall Sculpture stands today.
This sculpture marks a significant spot. It shows where Copenhagen’s third town hall once stood. But that town hall tragically burned down.
The current Town Hall is actually the sixth in a line of buildings. These buildings served as Copenhagen’s local government seat. The first one existed back in 1200. Its location is now unknown. Others burned down during the Great Copenhagen City fires. Some simply stopped being used.
Today’s Town Hall was designed by Danish architect Martin Nyrop. He also designed other significant buildings in the city. Work on it began in 1892. The winning architect’s design went through two competitions before acceptance. From 1896, they held a topping-out ceremony. This is an old Danish tradition. By 1905, the new Town Hall was ready. It could then be used for its full purpose.
The Town Hall is a symbol of Danish architecture at its best. Brick stones, wood, and the highest tower in Copenhagen form a great landmark.
Above the main hall’s entrance doors stands a golden statue. It honors Bishop Absalon, the city’s founder. It has adorned the Town Hall since the 700-year anniversary of his death in 1901. Absalon died in 1201.
Rising over 105 meters, the Town Hall’s clock tower chimes significantly. It chimes every noon and New Year’s. It is also used in daily news broadcasts.
The Town Hall Square is vibrant. Some call it the square that never sleeps. Thousands of cyclists, cars, and pedestrians fill it almost constantly. Vester Voldgade and Hans Christian Andersen’s Boulevard cut through Copenhagen. They streamline traffic efficiently.
This square dates back to 1760. It became the central square in Copenhagen around 1900. That’s when the local government seat moved to its current location.
Many people pass through this square. It is close to the Central Station, Tivoli, and Strøget. Winners of sports events are celebrated from the Town Hall’s balcony. This tradition started in 1992. The Danish National Soccer team won the Europe Championship that year. The Town Hall Square is also a popular spot for New Year’s Eve parties.
Hans Christian Andersen has a boulevard named after him. There is also a statue of him near the City Square. It honors him from 1954-61. Andersen is known for tales like “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Little Mermaid”. His tales have been translated into over 150 languages. They have inspired plays and movies.
The Dragon Fountain is also located in the City Hall Square. It was originally intended for Amagertorv. But it lost to the Stork Fountain. The Dragon Fountain was completed in 1923. It features a bull battling a dragon.
The Lur Blowers statue rests on a tall pillar. It is on the eastern side of the Town Hall Square. The statue was a gift from the Carlsberg Foundation in 1911.
Remember this spot. The Marking of old town hall Sculpture reminds us of Copenhagen’s resilience. It rose from the ashes. It became the vibrant city we see today.