Once Borgergade was a slum. Now, it is a testament to Copenhagen’s ever-evolving story. This street whispers tales of transformation.
Borgergade sits in central Copenhagen. It stretches from Gothersgade to Store Kongensgade. Today, the western part of Borgergade features modern buildings. The eastern side meanders through the historic Nyboder district.
Let’s step back to 1649. King Christian IV planned New Copenhagen. Borgergade emerged as part of this expansion. The area’s streets were named after Danish royalty.
Borgergade became home to craftsmen and shopkeepers. While not as opulent as Bredgade, it was a step up from the crowded city center. The houses were modest but offered better living conditions.
Remarkably, Borgergade escaped the Great Fires of 1728 and 1795. It also survived the British bombardment of 1807 relatively unscathed. But these disasters had a ripple effect. Homeless people flocked to Borgergade seeking affordable housing. This led to overcrowding. Gardens disappeared. Extra floors were added to existing buildings.
In 1865, a public bath house opened thanks to a donation. Still, sanitation remained poor. As new residential districts arose, wealthier residents moved out. Borgergade declined. It gained a reputation as a slum riddled with poverty and crime.
By the early 1940s, the city decided to condemn the area. Clearing began but paused during the war. After the war, modern buildings replaced the old structures.
The Mint Master’s House was carefully dismantled. It was stored with the intention of rebuilding it as part of an open-air museum. This museum was never realized. In 2009, The Old Town in Aarhus finally reconstructed the house.
Today, the western part of Borgergade boasts modern buildings. These buildings give way to older structures as you approach Fredericiagade. Here, you enter the Nyboder district. You will notice the iconic yellow houses. Also see the later Grey Rows designed by Olaf Schmidth.
At No 111, stands Bygningskulturens Hus. It once served as a girls’ school and naval cadet academy. Now it serves as a center for historical architecture and cultural heritage.
Borgergade even made a cameo in the 1975 Olsen-banden film. It is a lasting testament to Copenhagen’s resilience. Borgergade is a place where history and modernity intertwine.