Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
in the hoofsteps of Tsar Peter the Great's horse and, according to legend, the track marks of
a car that made its way up the tower's spiral ramp in 1902.
While we can't verify the latter claim, we can attest that the panorama of rooftops and
spires from the top is nothing short of inspiring.
The tower still functions as an excellent stargazing platform, making it the oldest func-
tioning observatory in Europe. Visitors wanting to view the night sky from the 3m-long
telescope mounted within the rooftop dome should call ahead to confirm opening times
and days, as they can vary.
Latin Quarter
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Stretching east from Vor Frue Plads along Store Kannikestræde and Skindergade to Køb-
magergade, and north up Fiolstræde to Nørre Voldgade, the Latin Quarter gets its nick-
name from the presence of the old campus of Københavns Universitet (Copenhagen
University) and the secondhand bookshops and cafes that grew up around it. It's a wonder-
ful place for ambling, with postcard-pretty nooks including
Gråbrødretorv
(Grey Friars'
Square), dating from the mid-17th century.
Founded in 1479, the university has largely outgrown its original quarters, with faculties
now spread across the city.
Vor Frue Kirke
CHURCH
(
;
www.koebenhavnsdomkirke.dk
; Nørregade 8;
8am-5pm, closed during ser-
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
vices & concerts; 11A)
Founded in 1191 and rebuilt three times after devastating fires, Copenhagen's current
cathedral dates from 1829, its neoclassical looks the work of CF Hansen. Sporting high-
vaulted ceilings and columns, it's home to sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen's statues of Christ
and the apostles, completed in 1839 and considered his most acclaimed works. The
sculptor's depiction of Christ, with comforting open arms, remains the most popular world-
wide model for statues of Jesus. In May 2004, the cathedral hosted the wedding of Crown
Prince Frederik to Australian Mary Donaldson.
Sankt Petri Kirke
CHURCH
