Have you ever walked through a secret passage? Welcome to Klostergården in Copenhagen a hidden gem tucked away on Amagertorv. This elegant Neoclassical building holds centuries of secrets within its walls. It wasn’t always the refined structure we see today. In the 17th century this site consisted of two separate properties one facing Amagertorv the other Læderstræde. Imagine tailors Christen Jensen and Christen Simonsen owning these plots of land. Their humble workshops stood where now stands this grand building.
The transformation began in 1758. The brothers Albrecht and Sebastian Petersen founded Det Petersenske Jomfrukloster a house for unmarried noblewomen. Their pious act is commemorated in the building’s frieze. It reads Monumentum Pietatis Petersenianae a testament to the Petersen brothers’ devotion. The original building designed by Caspar Frederik Harsdorff was completed in 1769. Tragedy struck in 1795 during the Copenhagen Fire. Klostergården was destroyed. It was later rebuilt between 1797 and 1798 by Joseph Guione.
Klostergården wasn’t merely rebuilt it was expanded. An extra floor was added in 1880. The building further evolved in 1918. The Klostergården property company purchased the building. They commissioned Bent Helveg-Møller for a significant renovation. His work was so impressive that it earned a city award in 1923. The renovation included the creation of Klostergangen a passageway that runs through the building connecting Amagertorv to Læderstræde.
Today Klostergården is a bustling hub of activity. It houses a stylish & Other Stories store and a charming café called Café Zirup. It stands as a testament to resilience adaptation and the enduring beauty of Copenhagen’s history. Look closely at its facade. Notice the four-bay central projection. It’s a subtle yet impressive architectural detail. The building changed hands again in 2014. Jorcks Ejendomsselskab purchased it for a substantial DKK 200 million.
As you stand before Klostergården remember its rich history. From humble tailor’s workshops to a home for noblewomen to a modern retail space. It is a living testament to the ebb and flow of Copenhagen’s dynamic past. The next time you stroll along Amagertorv don’t just walk by. Step inside Klostergården and let its story unfold.