Frederik’s Church, known as the Marble Church, is a building located west of Amalienborg and dominating its surroundings…
Whichever side you are from, you will easily orient yourself towards the green dome of this church, which is also the largest dome in all of Scandinavia with a diameter of 31 m.
Frederik’s Church was built in Rococo style and belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran order, which is also the most dominant religion in Denmark.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Copenhagen began to expand beyond the city walls. In order to introduce some order, it was necessary to create a central point around which the further development of the city would revolve. Building a church on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the reign of the Danish royal house was an excellent solution. Kill two birds with one stone.
Its construction began in the 18th century. The foundation stone was laid by King Frederic V and it was originally named after him. Since it was supposed to be built of marble, it was given the new name Marble Church. But unlike the Little Mermaid, which I wrote about here, there is nothing fairy-tale about the construction of this church.
The one who started to build it did not finish it, because such buildings require more than a human lifetime. It remained unfinished for the next 150 years. In the meantime, the style of construction has changed, as has the entire era. Lack of money further complicated the situation. The unfinished church changed hands.
Industrialists think differently from kings.
There were also some more serious disputes, so the court had to intervene. In the end, the church was solemnly opened in 1894, and due to the increased costs, it was not finished in marble, but in limestone.
But the brand remained and is now also known as the Marble Church. Locals use both names equally and there can be no confusion if you seek help.
Frederick’s or Marble Church is hard to miss.
The church has impressive dimensions and is richly decorated on all sides. The dome is 46 m high and by walking you can climb up and see the city from a bird’s eye view. The design of the church, although it has changed often, is based on the appearance of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome.
At the entrance there is an inscription HERREN ORD BLIVER EVINDELIG (The way of the Lord is eternal).
Regardless of all the adversities, this building dominates the panorama of the city and many people visit it, so I wanted to too. I did my homework and here’s what I found on the official site:
Access for people with disabilities
The Marble Church offers access to wheelchair users and others who cannot use stairs via an elevator, which is located at the entrance on the left side of the church as seen from the main entrance. The elevator can be used in connection with church services, concerts and church events. Please contact the church officials at the entrance if you wish to use it.
Note! The elevator is not used after the beginning of church services or concerts due to the special acoustic conditions of the church. Please arrive no later than 10 minutes before the start of the concert/service.
Since I didn’t go to a concert or a mass, but I’m just an ordinary tourist, who uses a wheelchair, I felt unwelcome.
I didn’t want to depend on the judgment of the worker on duty and if the rules are already like that, I will respect them, so I didn’t enter.
Others came in, and I walked around the sculptures of famous people around the church and thought about what they would say about human rights for disabled people in Copenhagen.
The church is said to be a popular wedding venue. Then they would have to let me in if I was a guest.
Visiting the church is free, but climbing the dome is not.
Conclusion
Frederick’s or Marble Church is a great place to take pictures.
It is also located in a beautiful part of the city and is surrounded by other attractions that you can visit when you are in the area such as: The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg, Kastelet, Nyhaven, etc. You can visit all this in one day without any problems.
Have you visited the Marble Church?
Did I miss something?
Traveled and enjoyed,
Marko Veličković
