Copenhagen history

Copenhagen's foundation dates back to 1167, when Bishop Absalon built a bastion on the island of Slotsholmen, today the site of Christiansborg Palace and the Danish parliament. In 1417, the city became the royal capital of a huge swathe of Scandinavia that included Denmark, parts of Sweden and Norway. Many of Copenhagen's most impressive buildings were constructed during the celebrated reign of Christian IV (1588-1648), including the Børsen (Stock Exchange), the Rundetårn (Round Tower) and the Palace of Rosenborg.

Christian IV was responsible for Copenhagen's canal network and for the development of Christianshavn (an island across the inner harbour) as a focus for trade and shipping. In the following centuries, an outbreak of plague, two terrible fires and military attacks by the Swedes (in the 17th century) and the British (in the 19th century) caused widespread damage.

In the 20th century, Denmark has achieved international renown for its contemporary design. Arne Jakobsen's furniture graces cool bars and cafés worldwide. In the city, the architectural heritage of Christian IV is supplemented by daring modern buildings, including the glittering waterfront extension to the Royal Library, known as the 'Black Diamond', the Opera House, and more recently the new Playhouse and Copenhagen Concert Hall.