Valby Tingsted

Gazing upon Valby Tingsted today, it’s hard to imagine the clamor of hooves and the lowing of cattle that once echoed here. This seemingly unassuming square, nestled between Valby Langgade and Rughavevej, holds the heart of old Valby. This was once the very center of the village, a bustling meeting place known as the “ting.” Long before the concrete and the sculpture “Konen med Hundene” graced this space, Valby Tingsted was a hub of activity. Here, villagers gathered to discuss important matters, settle disputes, and conduct trade. Imagine twelve stones arranged in a circle, upon which sat the members of the “ting,” the local assembly. A bell, mounted high in a nearby bell tower, would ring out, summoning the villagers to this central point. The name Valby Tingsted, though seemingly ancient, is surprisingly recent. It wasn’t until the late 1920s, during a period of street renaming and restructuring, that this square received its official designation. Before that, the street alongside it was known as Lille Skolegade, and even earlier, as Asylgade. The street leading down to Rughavevej, now also part of Valby Tingsted, bore the name Sankt Jørgens Gade. The transformation from a collection of older buildings to the open square we see today revealed the historical significance of this location. The demolition unearthed the remnants of the old “ting,” solidifying the square’s connection to Valby’s past. Valby Tingsted isn’t just a square. It’s a living testament to the community that thrived here for centuries. Look around and envision the children playing near the Valby Børneasyl, a daycare established here in 1874, its history intertwined with prominent figures like the wife of Prime Minister C.C. Hall. Picture the horse-drawn trams that once trundled along this very spot, connecting Valby Tingsted to Toftegårds Plads until 1969. Valby Tingsted, more than a mere intersection, stands as a symbol of Valby’s rich history, a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the present.