Behold that twisting spire. It’s the Church of Our Saviour’s tower. This unique structure defines Copenhagen’s skyline. We’re standing before a true baroque masterpiece.
The Church of Our Saviour is more than just a pretty face. It is a living parish church for about 8000 people. Its history is deeply intertwined with Denmark’s royal ambitions.
Let’s rewind to 1660. Denmark had just lost territory to Sweden after long wars. King Frederik III established an hereditary absolute monarchy. His son, Christian V, wanted to showcase this power. He wanted to do so through grand architecture. Our Saviour’s Church became his greatest project. You can spot his monogram throughout the church. The elephant decoration is another symbol. Christian V made the Order of the Elephant a prominent Danish order.
Construction of the Church of Our Saviour started in the 1680s. It was consecrated in 1696. Building the foundations was a challenge. The area consisted of filled-in seabed. It took 14 years. Lambert van Haven, the court builder, designed the church. He chose a solemn Palladian-Netherlandic style. The red brick and granite foundation give it a sturdy feel. It is a true Templum Salvatoris or Saviour’s Temple. The ground plan is a Greek cross with corner chapels. The tower, added later, stands apart from Van Haven’s original plans.
Inside, prepare to be amazed by the sheer size. The ceiling soars 36 metres high. The walls rest on boulders deep in Copenhagen’s limestone bed. Take a look at the altar. Nicodemus Tessin, a Swedish architect trained in Rome, designed it. Christian V approved his design. The altar wasn’t installed until 1732 due to foundation work and conflicts between Sweden and Denmark.
The altar shows Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. It depicts the night before his capture. An angel offers him a bitter chalice. Another angel supports him. The altar’s design reflects Roman influence. It is a copy of Borromini’s façade on San Carlo church in Rome.
Now, turn your attention to the organ. Its facade is magnificent. It is one of the most photographed musical instruments worldwide. The Botzen brothers built it between 1696 and 1698. It is a Stradivarius of organs. Many of its pipes date back to 1698. They are the oldest in Copenhagen. These pipes survived great fires and British bombardment. The British fleet even used the spire as a sighting point. The organ was restored in 1965. The old pipes can be heard during services and concerts.
Finally, let’s talk about that incredible spire. It wasn’t completed until 1752. Lauritz de Thurah designed it. He was inspired by Borromini’s baroque tower in Rome. The external staircase twists four times around the spire. It starts at the gallery. It continues to the top. A gilded iron grating protects climbers. At the summit, a gilded globe supports a figure of Christ with a banner. The view from the top is the best in Copenhagen. The spire is 90 metres tall. There are 400 steps. The last 150 wind around the outside. The globe can hold 12 grown men.
The carillon in the Church of Our Saviour is also famous. It was the first in Scandinavia in modern times. It has 48 bells. They chime every hour. The bells create a beautiful soundscape over Christianshavn.
So, as you stand here. Remember the kings, architects and craftsmen. They shaped this iconic landmark. The Church of Our Saviour is a testament to Copenhagen’s rich history. It is also a symbol of faith.