Church of Our Saviour, Copenhagen, Denmark

Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) is a baroque church, most famous for its corkscrew spire with an external winding staircase that can be climbed to the top, offering extensive views over central Copenhagen. It is also noted for its carillon, which is the largest in northern Europe and plays melodies every hour from 8 am to midnight.

When Christian IV planned Christianshavn in 1617, it was intended as an independent merchant's town on the island of Amager and it therefore needed a church. A temporary church was inaugurated in 1639 but construction of the present Church of Our Saviour, the design of Lambert van Haven, did not start until 1682. The church was inaugurated 14 years later in 1695 but important interior features like the altar had a notoriously temporary character and the tower still had no spire. The church got its permanent altar in 1732 but plans for construction of the spire was not revitalized until 1747 under the reign of Frederik V. The new architect on the project was Lauritz de Thurah. He soon abandoned van Haven´'s original design in favour of his own project that was approved by the King in 1749. Three years later the spire was finished and the King climbed the tower at a ceremony on 28 August 1752.

The church is built in a Dutch baroque style and its basic layout is a Greek cross. The walls rest on a granite foundation and are made of red and yellow tiles but in a random pattern unlike what is seen in Christian IV's buildings where they are generally systematically arranged. The facade is segmented by pilasters in the palladian giant order, that is they continue in the building's entire height. The pilasters are of the Tuscan order with bases and capitals in sandstone. The cornice is also in sandstone but with a frieze in tiles. Between the pilasters are tallround-arched windows with clear glass and iron cames. There are entrances at the gable of the cross arms except for the eastern gable where the sacristy is added. The main entrance is in the western gable below the tower and has a sandstone portal. All entrances are raised four steps from street level. At each side of the tower, there is a gate at street level leading to the two crypts of the church. The roof is vaulted and covered in black-glazed tiles.

The altarpiece is the work of Nicodemus Tessins the Younger. It depicts a scene from the Garden of Gethsemane between two columns, where Jesus is comforted by an angel while another angel hangs in the air beside them, carrying the golden chalice. On each side, two figures of Pietas and Justitia illustrate the King's motto. The two columns carry a broken, curved architrave and gable. Behind the opening of the broken gable is placed a pane with Jahve's name in Hebrew inscribed and lit from behind. Around the pane is an arrangement of gilded beans and cloud formations.

References:

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User Reviews

Lars Pach (12 months ago)
The church is iconic for it helical path leading to the top of the tower. Amazing view from the top.

Usman Hadi (12 months ago)
The area is surrounded by drunk people who come and disturb the tourist alot. Place is very different than other areas of copenhagen. The church it self is pretty cool and elegant in design.

Butuan City Philippines Brezie & Raúl (12 months ago)
As Cuban I’m I love old Americans Cars or From any other country this bring me my time before go out of Cuba where any street have one of this old times living thing

Steffen Ørsted (14 months ago)
It's a long way up..

Joshua Formentera (14 months ago)
One of the beautiful protestant church in Copenhagen. Inside the church amazing work of art. The church was inaugurated in 1696 and the architectural style is Dutch baroque. When you enter the door of the church above your head you'll see the huge elephants artwork which are the symbol of absolute monarchy and the Order of the Elephant, the highest order of Denmark. The organ inside the church is artistically carved and very beautiful which was built in 1698. There are also beautiful artwork of the five of the six angels infront of the altar are the archangels and Raphael in gilded sword. They look stunning piece of art. The church is very popular because of the Tower which brings you on the top and you'll see the amazing view of the entire city of Copenhagen. To get to the top of the tower you have to go pass through other side entrance door which required you to pay entrance fee and it takes you up on the 400steps narrow stairs. Strongly recommended to visit both the church and the tower.

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