Rundetårn, Copenhagen, Denmark - SpottingHistory.com

The Rundetårn (Round Tower) is a 17th-century tower located in central Copenhagen. One of the many architectural projects of Christian IV, it was built as an astronomical observatory. It is most noted for its 7.5-turn helical corridor leading to the top, and for the expansive views it affords over Copenhagen.

The tower is part of the Trinitatis Complex which also provided the scholars of the time with a university chapel, the Trinitatis Church, and an academic library which was the first purpose-built facilities of the Copenhagen University Library which had been founded in 1482.

Today the Round Tower serves as an observation tower for expansive views of Copenhagen, a public astronomical observatory and a historical monument. In the same time the Library Hall, located above the church and only accessible along the tower's ramp, is an active cultural venue with both exhibitions and a busy concert schedule.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

H A (3 months ago)
Really worth a visit while in Copenhagen, great views of the city and the most amazing stairwell to walk to the top. It really can not be explained and so you have to visit. We visited on a very wet dark day and thoroughly enjoyed it, suitable for everyone in the family even if you have challenges to walk as only a couple of steps at the very top, really interesting bell tower and exhibition of local architecture half way. Best privy view in Europe ?

Kailey Parks (5 months ago)
This was a really neat visit! The entry fee was very reasonable, there were a couple spots to stop along the ramp to see an art installation and some historical artifacts, but the obvious highlight is climbing all the way for the top for a beautiful view. There were bathrooms available, which were clean and very appreciated.

Barbara Hinsley (5 months ago)
A great way to have a fabulous view of the city and beyond. Yes it's a good climb to the top but it's a bricked ramp so it's quite easy. Toilets available. Good information panels. Two nice display rooms. Part of the city tourist card so easy access.

Ishaq Hussain (5 months ago)
One place which can guarantee you the best view of Copenhagen. The Tower itself is an architectural Marvel. There is an Entry Ticket ? to the Tower. After the ticket, a spiral ? pathway leads the visitor atop the tower. The deck gives a 360 degree view of Copenhagen. Photography enthusiasts can also smother off their love for capturing Copenhagen the artistic way from this Deck. Recommended for all those aspiring seeing Copenhagen, Denmark ??

Ben Harapiak (10 months ago)
For a taste of science history and a beautiful view of Copenhagen this tower is a must see. I saw all ages walking the spiral ramp up to the observation deck, and there’s a beautiful gallery to visit on the way up. The only difficult part is the extremely narrow spiral staircase at the top, but it’s not very long and it is controlled with traffic lights for direction. This is a simple tour with a ton of history.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Govisity / Tip na Trip / kosice.guide

Historic Site of the week

Spisskà Kapitula

Spišskà Kapitula, a unique fortified ecclesiastical ensemble, began as a small fortified settlement overlooking Spišské Podhradie in the 12th century. It was the site of the residence of the Provost of the castle, in the no longer extant St Martin"s monastery, and later became a capitulary. This was destroyed in by Tatars in 1241-1243, but the pilgrim"s chapel, in rotunda form and dedicated to the Virgin, survived until the 18th century and the monastery until the 15th century.

The complex of buildings there is based on the Cathedral of St Martin, where building began in 1285 as a three-aisled Romanesque basilica with a chancel at the west end and a double spire. It owes its present form to successive remodellings and additions in the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

The Provost's residence was completed in 1281 and further religious buildings were added. Frequent raids by marauding Bulgars and others led to its being fortified in the 14th century. The cathedral was rebuilt in the later 14th century. In 1776 it became the residence of the Bishop and four years later a seminary was established. In 1819 the first teacher training centre in Hungary was founded there.

The Bishop's Palace is largely Baroque, with some excellent interior decorations, like many of the religious buildings in the group. The oval ground plan of the centre of the town is due to its having been fortified in the 14th century. The various religious buildings had defensive functions in this early period. New monastery buildings were erected when the provost"s residence was rebuilt and the whole area fortified. The earlier central fortifications were removed in the 18th century.

Spišské Kapitula is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Levoča, Spiš Castle and the associated cultural monuments.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Rundetårn

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Hidden Gems of Finnish Archipelago

House of the Dragon Filming Locations

Historic Landmarks of Sicily

Historic Site of the week

Spisskà Kapitula

Looks like you are a history fan!