Copenhagen two

We took the train across town to the Danish National Gallery, which was featuring an exhibition of the Danish golden age of painting.  This was a surprising phenomenon as it seemed to coincide with a low point in Danish history after Copenhagen had been bombed by the British during the Napoleonic Wars, and the state had declared itself bankrupt.  As I said, we learnt a lot about Danish history on this trip.

Moving on to the Rosenborg Slot (Castle) we could hear a military band playing in the street.  On they came, right across the park as it appears that there is a military establishment right there. 

The castle itself is built on fairy tale lines and dates from the 1600s.  Dark interiors, and wood panelling, with what we would call Jacobean fireplaces.  On the top floor, a long gallery set up as the Throne room.  Note the lions guarding the thrones.

A display of glass, backlit by the window.

And in the basement, the Crown Jewels.

At the entrance we did see two very bored-looking armed soldiers.

Then it was on to the Round Tower, once an observatory. 

Inside instead of a spiral staircase, there is a spiral ramp, wide enough to drive a horse and carriage up it. 

From the top extensive views over the city.  We were struck by the complete absence of towering modern structures, as in London.  Just traditional city blocks punctuated by traditional spires.  This undoubtedly adds to the human scale of the whole place.