My first stop at Copenhagen aka Kobenhavn was the Church of Our Savior. Even from far away the look of the spiral tower is just spectacular. Unfortunately I couldn't go inside the church as a private event was happening there. I was pretty much dejected and then I figured out the the entrance to the spire was from the side and in I went.
I can't say anything about the Church as I didn't go there. So, here's more about the tower. This was built in 1752. It was designed by architect Lauritz de Thurah. As soon as you enter there might be a long queue along the steps. Don't worry, that's not how it would be till the top. The initial climb is about 20 steps after which is the ticketing office to the tower. The queue is for the ticketing office. After that, about a 100 steps is like regular spiral cemented steps at which point is a window and a closed door. I was really confused if this was the end! However the closed door, isn't locked and beyond this closed door is another era, altogether! The whole place is made of oak wood, reminding me much of my aunt's ancestral home and Kalangal village houses!
The steps from this point weren't really spiral, but broken spirals, There were several stoppages with little room like structures and then again it would continue. Here's a warning, if you're scared of heights and narrow/closed spaces, don't even consider climbing this. I'll tell you about the height later, but the space is so narrow, so narrow that at some places, only 1 person can fit at a time. So at the junctions you'll have to wait for the one coming down, before you get the passage free to go up.
Just before the top are 2 huge bells! At the end of the wooden staircases (totally 400 with the cement stairs in the beginning), is the opening to the balcony.
This is a Baroque architecture and in Denmark, Baroque art movement didn't have a strong hold. This was commissioned by King Christian V, son of King Frederick III. The church was built in 1680s, about 70 years before the spire was built. Its said that the spire part actually move slightly in a strong wind which would feel scary standing atop there. However the day I went, wasn't windy and I didn't feel anything such. The total height from the ground is 90m to the top of the spire.
From here I thought the view of Copenhagen was spectacular, but I was mistaken. Even after reaching this point, are few more steps that spiral, along the outside of the spire!!! This last part is challenging for even those to manage to climb upto the balcony.
This section is made of metal and the last few steps just taper at the end. So reaching the topmost step is impossible, as that's just a tapered end. I reached as much as I could squeeze through and the view from here is way too spectacular esp to see the balcony down under and toy sized cars parked near the church's entrance was way too enthralling.
To Get There:
Nearest metro station: Christianhavn
Entry ticket to the spire: 45 kr
Can be bought at the counter inside side entrance
P.S: I was invited by The Church of our Savior to visit for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.
Baroque architecture really looks beautiful. We have visited a few old churches in the provinces in the Philippines and the tower looked the same. Seeing the view from above was worth the steps you took.
ReplyDeleteChurch of Our Savior, amazing infrastructure. Am just bit jealous of that I can't visit this place.
ReplyDeleteI love visiting churches and the Church of Our Savior looks like a church worth visiting. The architecture is just lovely and representative of that time. Good to see that they have maintained it well considering it was built in the 1700's. Thanks for featuring this. I could add this to our growing list of places to visit.
ReplyDeleteThe giant church bells remind me of those movies and stories during my younger years. When I saw your photo I didn't see the modern houses on the background but I saw black and white photos of houses in olden times.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I will ever step on those grounds! Such a marvelous sight! I wish I can visit The Church of Our Savior in the future. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteNow I have another place I need to see for myself if ever we get a chance to visit Copenhagen. I never would have thought of visiting this place if not for your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see how beautiful Baroque architecture is. This is really worth visiting and admiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you for featuring this. Copenhagen is one of my most favorite cities in the world. My husband is a Danish so there lies a little bit of my bias. But hey, I'm sure you would not disagree with me on that. Haha! I scheduled a solo trip to Copnhagen back in August and Vor Frelsers Kirke was included in my itinerary. I ended up not going because my mobile phone ran out of my battery and my power bank died on me. I was scared to get lost. So yeah, anyway, I am looking forward to our next trip back to Denmark.
ReplyDeleteThe view is just breathtaking! I'd love to be able to go up the spire soon. But first I have to get over my fear of heights!
ReplyDeleteWhat gets my attention is the spiral spire. I want to know what is the purpose of this spire. There are churches all over the world with spire. Is there any significant for that? I am just curious about it.
ReplyDeleteWow, the bird's eye view is indeed gorgeous. Sorry that you didn't get to enter the church. But I'm glad you found the silver lining! Thanks for sharing the view with us~
ReplyDeleteInteresting!Hope to read more of your articles!
ReplyDeleteI love the view from the tower! I am sure that aside from the perfect view you got there, the air seems engaging as well. I love how tricky the place is. Something to look forward to visit indeed when in Denmark, perhaps.
ReplyDeleteThe view you see from the top is worth the effort to get there. I enjoyed your post! :)
ReplyDeleteThe tower looks almost magical!! Thank you for showing us around this gorgeous church! :D
ReplyDeleteChristmas is around the corner and your church post reminds me of some churches that I have visited. Just love the peaceful calm inside the church...Divine!
ReplyDeleteThe view of the city from the top is so pretty! Never been to such pretty place and church before =D
ReplyDeleteThis church looks super amazing! It looks super nice and great... Magical!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful structure and even knowing a bit of its history makes it more intriguing. It would be a great place to visit in the future. Thanks for sharing.
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