Herkulespavillonen

In 1606, a secret melody drifted through hidden passages of a newly built pavilion in Rosenborg Castle Gardens. King Christian IV, a lover of both beauty and intrigue, had commissioned the construction of what was then known as the Blue Pavilion. This Herkulespavillonen, as it’s known today, held a clever secret. Concealed sound ducts allowed music to travel from the ground floor to the first floor. The king and his guests could enjoy private concerts while the musicians remained unseen below. Years later, another king, Christian V, transformed the Herkulespavillonen into a royal hermitage. A special kitchen, adorned with Dutch tiles, was installed on the lower floor. Meals were prepared and then hoisted up to the dining area through a hatch. This allowed the royal family to dine without the presence of servants. The Herkulespavillonen, however, was not always a place of music and clandestine dining. The royal family eventually moved their attention to Frederiksberg Palace. Rosenborg Castle and its gardens, including the Herkulespavillonen, fell into disrepair. Decades later, the gardens were opened to the public. The once-exclusive Herkulespavillonen became a place for everyone to enjoy. In 1773, architect Caspar Frederik Harsdorff redesigned the pavilion, giving it its current neoclassical look. The pavilion received its name from the impressive statue of Hercules. This statue, created by Italian sculptor Giovanni Baratta, was placed in a central niche. Two smaller niches, featuring statues of Orpheus and Eurydice also by Baratta, flank the mighty Hercules. The Herkulespavillonen continued to evolve. It housed a small alehouse in the late 1700s. In 1810, it became a popular refreshment spot. Confectioner H.C. Firmenich served tea, punch, lemonade, and other treats to garden visitors. Today, the Herkulespavillonen has been lovingly restored. It serves as a charming café. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and soak in the atmosphere of this historic building. They can imagine the echoes of secret concerts and the royal laughter from centuries past.