Struggling to picture a military fortress doubling as a public park? That is Kastellet in Copenhagen. It is one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved fortresses. We are standing before a star-shaped citadel, its history echoing through the centuries.
King Christian IV initiated Kastellet’s story in 1626. He started with St. Anne’s Redoubt, an advanced post. This guarded the port’s entrance. Later, King Frederik III continued his father’s work. He commissioned the star-shaped fortress we see today.
After a Swedish siege, Dutch engineer Henrik Rüse rebuilt and expanded it in 1663. Originally named Citadel Frederikshavn, it became known as Kastellet. This translates simply to “The Citadel”. Kastellet played a role in the Battle of Copenhagen against the United Kingdom in 1807.
Kastellet has two main gates. The King’s Gate faces the city to the south. Norway Gate faces what was once open countryside to the north. The King’s Gate boasts Dutch Baroque style with garlands and pilasters. It also features a bust of King Frederik III.
The five bastions forming the star each have a name. There is the King’s Bastion, the Queen’s Bastion, the Count’s Bastion. We also have the Princess’s Bastion and the Prince’s Bastion.
Look around at the buildings within these walls. The Commander’s House served as the residence for Kastellet’s commander. Built in 1725, it showcases Baroque style. Notice its yellow masonry, white detailing, and red tile roof.
The Rows, six two-story terraces, once housed soldiers. Dorms held two triple beds, a small table, and two benches. They had names like General Stock and Artillery Stock.
Two storehouses ensured supplies during sieges. The Southern Storehouse was an arsenal. The Northern Storehouse held a granary. Impressively, they could feed 1,800 people for four years.
The Powder House on the Queen’s Bastion stored black powder. Its design ensured explosions went upward. This minimized damage.
The Citadel Church, built in the early 1700s, features sound holes to the prison. This allowed prisoners to follow services. A prison complex was built behind the church. Notable prisoners included Struensee who awaited execution here.
The windmill on the King’s Bastion replaced an earlier one destroyed by a storm. Fortified cities needed flour in case of siege. In 1800, Copenhagen had 16 windmills on its ramparts. This is the last working one.
Russian Empress Consort Maria Feodorovna, got her rye flour from this mill. It was sent to her palace in Saint Petersburg. She ate øllebrød made from it every morning.
The Central Guard House, built in the 1870s, stands just inside the King’s Gate. There is a changing of the guard ceremony here every day at noon.
Today, Kastellet is still an active military area. It also serves as a public park and historical monument. Despite its military purpose, Kastellet offers a peaceful escape. It is open to the public. You can walk its grounds and reflect on its rich history. Remember that Kastellet is more than just a fortress. It is a symbol of Copenhagen’s resilience.