PORTRAIT PAINTING OF KING CHRISTIAN VII WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN ROSENBORG CASTLE, COPENHAGEN DÄNMARK. HE WAS KING FROM 1766 UNTIL HE PASSED AWAY IN 1808. HE WAS LUTHERAN AND BELONGED TO THE HOUSE OF OLDENBURG. HE DIED ON THE 13TH OF MARCH WHICH WAS 215 YEARS AND ONE DAY BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY.
ROSENBORG CASTLE WAS BUILT AT THE PRESENT DAY ADDRESS:
ØSTER VOLGADE 4A1350.
IT WAS BUILT BETWEEN 1606 AND 1633.
Anita Desai said:
"WHEREVER YOU GO BECOMES A PART OF YOU SOMEHOW".
I am rarely in photos because I do not like doing selfies but I made an easy selfie while overlooking a passageway in Kronborg Castle . Many castles are like mazes and we must sometimes allow a few minutes to be lost 😏
Scandinavia is made up of Dänmark, Norway, and Sweden. Finland is usually also included in Scandinavia but not always because the Finnish people are not related as closely to the Scandinavian people listed above that speak closely related languages. The Finnish people speak an unrelated language as they are of a separate ethic group from the Danish, Swedish, and Norwegians. Also, Iceland is often considered part of Scandinavia. I think it may be due to the fact that Iceland had been colonized by Norway and it was part of Norway when it was part of the Kalmar Union. Norway, Sweden, and Dänmark joined together as the Kalmar Union in 1387. Margaret I of Dänmark was the Queen. A reason I think Finland is part of Scandinavia is because it was part of Sweden during the middle ages. Also, it is in the same geographical location as the other 3 Scandinavian nations, just to the east of Sweden. Iceland is a bit further away though.🤔. I guess it could be part of Scandinavia since it was once part of Norway. But Greenland is part of Dänmark but it is NOT part of Scandinavia. Greenland is very far away though, closer to North America.
On the grounds of Rosenborg castle, in Copenhagen. This is the Hercules Pavilion and the ice cream shop is on the other side. .
A view inside Malmö Castle in Sweden. Malmö is across the Øresund Sund or strait from Copenhagen.
After passing through the first gate, we had this rather long walk passing the moats and arriving at the castle entrance through a rather large courtyard.
We are about to enter the grounds of Kronborg Castle, otherwise known as Elsinore. William Shakespear called the castle "Elsinore" in Hamlet. King Frederick II built this very impressive castle because he needed a residence that reflected his power as the most powerful king in Scandinavia at that time (around 1425) in Helsingør.
Overlooking Øresund Sund from Kronborg Castle. Malmö Sweden is on the other side of the strait.
DOORWAY INSIDE KRONBORG CASTLE.
A curtain wall is a defensive wall that stands between two towers and such a wall was built to protect Krogen Castle (Hook Castle) which is the original name for this castle. The castle included the King's residence, banquet Hall, chapel, and a few other buildings.
After the 7 years war, around 1570, King Frederick II had the advance bastions for.the curtain wall of Krogen Castle extended. These fortifications were finished in 1577. It was about this time that Krogen Castle was renamed Kronborg Castle. And in 1578 there were more enlargements of the castle with the addition of a third floor above several wings of the original 2 floors.
It was Fredrick II who transformed Krogen Castle into the luxurious Danish Renaissance Castle that we know as Kronborg Castle today.
A FIREPLACE IN KRONBORG CASTLE.
THE VIEWS OF ØRESUND STRAIT ARE FANTASTIC.
THE INNER GATE WE PASSED THROUGH IN ORDER TO ARRIVE INTO THE INNER COURTYARD OF KRONBORG CASTLE.
This tapestry depicts King Christoffer II. He was King of Dänmark from 1320-1326 then he became king again in 1329 and remained so until he died.
Another of the "King tapestries" . This one was created in 1586. I do not remember who is depicted here though 🤔.
King Frederick II commissioned 42 or 43 tapestries for the Grand Hall of Kronborg Castle between 1581 and 1584. There are 7 or 8 still in the castle and several others in the National Museum of Danmark. The tapestries are all lifesized portraits of legendary kings (like King Dan) and real kings (like this one, the one of King Frederick II himself, and the one of his son who became King Christian IV.) This one depicts King Olaf II. He was King of Norway from 1014 until 1028. He died in battle. He was also canonized so he is also known as Saint Olaf.
We are waiting for the group of people to be let into Rosenborg Castle so we can queue up at the entrance and wait for our turn. It is a self guided exploration inside the castle but only a certain amount of people are let in each time.
This is probably called the south entrance to Rosenborg Castle because we arrived here after passing through Kongens Have, after having taken a photo of the fountain. And the fountain is south or southeast of this entrance.
A view of Rosenborg Castle from a flower garden that is located on the other side of the castle from where the Kings Garden is located.
We are still waiting for that group of people to enter Rosenborg Castle. Then we will queue up to enter with the next group. The wait is not very long. Anyway, it is an enjoyable wait as long as you do not have many plans for the day. It is always best to plan for a whole morning or a whole afternoon when visiting a castle. .
THIS FOUNTAIN IS IN THE KINGS GARDEN OF ROSENBORG CASTLE COPHENHAGEN. (KONGENSHAVN)..
The grounds of Rosenborg Castle are extensive, including the Kings' Garden, Queens Rose Garden, and this area. There are sculptures throughout the property. This area is called the Playground and it is situated approximately half way between Kongenshavn (King's Garden) and Rosenhave (Queens Rose Garden). There is also a large and really cool stepping stone area here..
While walking the streets of Copenhagen, I discovered this statue of King Christian X (Christian X Statuen) which is at the.intersection of Bredgade and Queen Annæ place.
In Roskilde Danmark.
Roskilde, formerly the capital of Danmark where the kingdom was founded and home to a world renowned viking museum.
We are about to pass the north side of Roskilde Cathedral at Oluf Mortensens' porch built around 1450. The gable was constructed in the Late Medieval Gothic architectural style of North Germany.
We are in the area of Rosgilde Cathedral and the Royal Mansion in Roskilde Danmark. This particular building was the City Hall in medieval times. There is now a Skt. Laurentius History Museum here. getting ready to walk from here to the Viking Museum which is not far at all.
Domkirkemuseet is within the Roskilde Cathedral property. Roskilde Museum of Contemporary Art is within the former Royal Mansion, also called the Yellow Palace, and Kongelige Palace ("Kongelige" means "Royal"). Here, we were crossing a rather large (and exquisite) plaza area between the museums and the cathedral.
The facade of Roskilde Cathedral. The Kingdom of Danmark was founded in Roskilde. Roskilde was the capital of Danmark from 1150-1443. There are 39 royal tombs in this cathedral. It is still the burial site of Danish monarchs. It is a World Heritage Site. .
In front of the mausoleum of Roskilde Cathedral with the Yellow Palace (Royal Mansion) further down the very large square.
TWO MAUSOLEUMS AT ROSGILDE CATHEDRAL.
Roskilde Cathedral was built on the site of a wood church from 950. This cathedral was originally to be built in the Romanesque architectural style but the emerging Gothic style of northern France (think Cathedral Saint-Denis) was added to the already built Romanesque portions of the building. Chapels and porches were also added in subsequent centuries and these added the current designs in architecture of each century. This is a truly eclectic building. This is the first church in Scandinavia built in the Gothic style with brick. This style spread throughout Scandinavia.
The Royal (Kongelige) Palace is a beautiful yellow building constructed in a Baroque architectural style. It was commissioned by King Christian VI in 1733. Construction was completed in 1736. The King and his family would live there when they were attending important ceremonies at Roskilde Cathedral.
King Christian IX is buried in the right side masoleum and King Frederick IX is buried in the octagon shaped masoleum at the left. On the right is a Byzantine Revival architectural style masoleum that was added to the cathedral. It is shaped with a cruciform chapel and a domed roof. In each arm of the chapel are other royal figures besides King Christian IX. One arm holds the tomb of King Frederick VIII and his wife. The smaller masoleum at the left is the first royal burial site here that is outside of the cathedral building and its additions. King Frederick IX actually wanted to be buried outside so his gravesite could overlook the Roskilde Fjord. He was formally a naval officer. It is a single story, octagon shaped enclosure with no roof. There is a large variety of plant life that is characteristic of Danmark's ecosystem growing within the enclosure.
Arch of Absalom connects the Royal Palace (Yellow Mansion) with Roskilde Cathedral. The arch was built with Travertine stone that was taken from a church that stood at this location previously. It is believed that Bishop Peder Sunesen commissioned the construction around 1200. It serves as a passageway between the Kongelige Palace and the cathedral. .
This is the chapel of King Christian IV. It was built between 1614 and 1641. It is an addition to the north side of Roskilde Cathedral. It was constructed in the very beautiful Dutch Renaissance architectural style.
ROSKILDE FJIORD
Roskilde is about 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of Copenhagen. This makes Roskilde Fjiord an excellent destination from Copenhagen for a picnic.
WE STAYED AT ROSGILDE FJORD ALL DAY UNTIL THE SUN WENT DOWN. IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE A PICNIC. THE WEATHER WAS PERFECT AND THE SUNSET WAS LOVELY. WE WATCHED THE PROGRESSION OF THE SUNSET AND I TOOK A FEW PHOTOS WHILE THE SUN DROPPED FURTHER AND FURTHER TOWARDS THE WESTERN HORIZON.
Bones and shells of animals can be found throughout the shores of Roskilde Fjiord. People have settled in this area for more than 6,000 years.
On Stændertorvet in the Roskilde Centrum area you will find the Skt Laurentius History Museum and several shopping streets. There are great restaurants here as well as many very interesting shops like Lege-Kæden (toys), Masai Clothes, and Caseus, Ost, & Delikatessen (cheeses).
Fredricks' Church built in the Rococco architectural style; Copenhagen. The inscription above the entrance means "The word of the lord is forever.".
This building is only a few yards from Fredriks' Church in Copenhagen. I do not know what it is but it might be an office building because there is a Laser Hair Removal Clinic located here. I am standing at the intersection of Bredgade and Fredriksgade. Fredriks' Church is at the left of this photo and Amalienborg Palace is to the right. The gold domes behind this building are on top of the Saint Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Church. I photographed this building only because I like it..
Speaking of Amalienborg Palace, this equistrian statue is in the center of its courtyard. It depicts King Fredrik V on his horse 🙂🐎. The statue was completed in 1771.
A second view from the center of Amalienborg Palace courtyard with the equistrian statue with King Fredrik V in the forground and Fredricks'Church in the background.
IN SWEDEN.
We spent only one day in Sweden in 2018
DRIVING THROUGH THE TOLL GATES FROM COPENHAGEN TO MALMÖ
Oops, here I am again. Well, this is not exactly a selfie. The wall opposite me is mirrored so this is actually a reflection of me. This photo was taken inside a passageway stairwell of Malmö Castle.
IN MALMÖ CASTLE IS THIS PORTRAIT PAINTING OF MARIA F. JALCUNTJIKOVA PAINTED BY VALENTIN.
BACK IN DÄNMARK
Driving between Copenhagen and Malmö is easy on the toll road that brings you under the Øresund strait then up to the surface of a man made island then unto the beautiful Øresund strait bridge (Øresundsmotorvejen).
Freetown Christiana is a very colorful place. There are about 900 residents in this neighborhood. They are sometimes referred to as "hippies." The neighborhood is often referred to as the "Green Light District" of Copenhagen. The police raids that I mentioned in the above photo post did once occur while we were there. After the raid started and the ganja sellers were away from their tables, the narcotics police just strolled around the neighborhood streets.
From a hill overlooking Freetown Christiana. Making photos within the neighborhood is prohibited. The few photos that I did take were only at the entrance or at the edges of the area on the south and east sides. The official anthem of Freetown Christiana is "I kan ikke slå os ihjel." This means "You can not kill us." This is very appropriate because Freetown Christiana started as a "squatted military area." This area used to be a military base that was abandoned by the military. The former barracks were taken over by homeless and impoverished families who called their actions a conquering of the "Forbidden City of the Military." Freetown Christiana thus became their self-governing society. That is a stage on the left side of the photo.
At the entrance of Freetown Christiana. This is an enclave of the Copenhagen neighborhood called Christianhaven. This neighborhood is 19 acres (7.7 hectares) in size. The residents of Freetown Christiana are not completely free though, because the police frequently raid the neighborhood. They are looking to arrest sellers of marijuana. These sellers have tables set up at the sides of the streets so they can easily show their green products to those who visit the neighborhood to make a purchase. These sellers also have watchers who will give whistle warnings when a raid is about to happen. The sellers then gather up their stash, hide it, then get away from the tables. .
Cars are not allowed in Freetown Christiana. In the near future, the open trade of ganja may also be prohibited. The Danmark government as well as many residents have been attacking this trade. Soon, Pusher Street may be empty of the dealers and their tables. Then the "Green Light District" of Copenhagen will not be so green anymore. Maybe photo taking will then be more acceptable. Our photos were all taken at the entrance or at the south and east borders of the neighborhood, as was this photo. Christianhaven was founded around 1610 by King Christian IV as an extension of Copenhagens' fortifications. The Inner Harbor separates Christianhaven from the rest of Copenhagen which means something like "City of Christian"..
AFTER LEAVING ROSENBORG CASTLE, IT IS A VERY EASY, FIVE MINUTE WALK TO BOTANICAL GARDENS. THAT IS WHAT THIS PHOTO IS BUT THERE IS MUCH MORE IN THIS AREA. THIS IS A HUGE GARDEN AREA WITH BOTANICAL MUSEUM, ZOOLOGICAL MUSEUM, GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, ASTROMICAL OBSERVATORY, AND PALMEHUSET WHICH IS A GREENHOUSE.
IN THE TOWER OF BASILICA DE LA VOTA NACIONAL, WE WERE ABLE TO RELAX AND SNACK A BIT. I DO NOT KNOW IF ALL THE TOWERS HAVE CAFES IN THEM. WE CLIMBED THE TOWER THAT IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE CHURCH. I DO NOT KNOW IF PEOPLE WERE CLIMBING THE TOWER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MAIN ENTRANCE BECAUSE WE DID NOT SEE ANYONE IN THAT TOWER. WE DID SEE PEOPLE CLIMBING THE THIRD TOWER WHICH IS NOT AS HIGH AS THE TWO FRONT SIDE TOWERS. WE ORDERED TWO HOT TEAS, A TEA WITH MILK, ONE HOT CHOCOLATE AND TWO HUMITAS. I CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF THOSE HUMITAS.
THIS VIDEO IS A RATHER LONG WALKING TOUR AROUND THE AREA OF THE HOTEL WHERE WE WERE STAYING. I WAS LOOKING FOR THE BAKERY WHERE I HAVE SHOPPED A COUPLE OF TIMES ALREADY AND FOR A DESSERT PLACE CALLED GELATO MIX. I FOUND THEM AS WELL AS A COUPLE OF OTHER INTERESTING PLACES. WE CAN SEE HAPPY PANDA CHINESE RESTAURANT FROM OUR HOTEL WINDOW.
THE BAKERY IS NEXT TO THE HOTEL; PANIFICADORA AMBATO. GELATO MIX IS LOCATED ONE CITY BLOCK FURTHER DOWN AVE. 12 DE OCTUBRE. CAFÉ QUITO IS AT THE SWISSÔTEL QUITO WHICH IS ACROSS THE STREET FROM OUR HOTEL. THERE IS ALSO AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT CALLED LA BRICIOLA AT THE CORNER OF AV. ISABELLS CATÓLICA AND FRANCISCO SALAZAR. SAN HONORÉ AND MUSA RESTAURANTE ARE ALSO GOOD SOUNDING PLACES IN THEIS AREA.
OH, AND WHILE AT CAROLINA PARK, WE TRIED THE ESPUMILLA. WE DID NOT REALLY LIKE IT. THE TOP PART WAS RATHER FUNKY. THE TEXTURE IS ODD AND THE FLAVORS DID NOT STAND OUT ENOUGH TO MAKE UP FOR THE STRANGE TEXTURE. WE DID LIKE THE BOTTOM PART THAT CONSISTS OF SEVERAL TYPES OF FRUIT PIECES SOAKING IN A DELICIOUS RED SAUCE. ESPUMILLA IS A TRADITIONAL ECUADORIAN DESSERT. IT IS A FOAM, NOT AN ICE CREAM, WHICH IS WHY IT IS NOT MELTING AS VENDORS SELL IT IN THE STREETS. IT IS MERINGUE WITH EGG WHITES, SUGAR, AND PUREED FRUIT. THE FRUIT IS SOAKING IN A RED BERRY SYRUP. THAT LAST PART IS GOOD.
WE SPENT SUNDAY IN SHOPPING CENTERS AND PARKS. WE FIRST WENT TO PLAZA OF THE AMERICAS. IT IS REALLY SMALL WITH FEW SHOPPING OPTIONS. IT DOES HAVE A FEW NICE CAFES AND A LARGE CINEMA. THE PLAZA OF THE AMERICAS IS SMALL BUT COZY. IT KIND OF LOOKS LIKE A SQUARE PARK WITH SHOPS, CAFES, AND CINEMARK SURROUNDING IT. AFTER WE LEFT PLAZA DE LAS AMERICAS, WE WALKED DOWN TO PARQUE CAROLINA. WE STOPPED TO TAKE A PHOTO AT A FUNKY STATUE. I COULD NOT FIND A NAME FOR THIS STATUE OF FOUR CHILDREN SITTING ON A BENCH TALKING TO EACH OTHER. IT IS IN A TINY PARK AND MAY BE CALLED DESCANSO. WE THEN CONTINUED WALKING UNTIL WE REACHED THE VERY LARGE PARK. IT HAS A VIVARIUM HERE. IT IS A SMALL SAMPLE OF REPTILE SPECIMENS INDIGIONOUS TO ECUADOR. THERE IS A SUPERMAXI SHOPPING CENTER ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SOUTHERN END OF CAROLINA PARK SO WE WENT THERE TO BUY COLD MEDICINE FOR RENO WHO MAY HAVE GOTTEN A HEAD COLD. WE RELAXED AT A SPECIAL PLACE CALLED REPUBLIC DE CAFÉ. THERE IS A VIDEO HERE ABOUT JUST THAT. IMMEDIATLY ON THE SOUTHERN END OF PARQUE CAROLINA IS A METRO STATION. ONCE I SAW THE STATION ENTRANCE, I DECIDED WE SHOULD TRY IT OUT. IT IS GREAT. IT IS STILL NEW AND MADE TO BE EASILY USED BY THE MOST UNITIATED PERSONS IN METRO USE. IT ALSO COSTS ONLY .45 CENTS FOR ADULTS. I AM HAPPY TO HAVE USED IT. I TOOK A VIDEO OF IT WITH MY CELL PHONE SO I MAY UPLOAD IT HERE ALTHOUGH VIDEOS FROM MY CELL PHONE COME UP SMALLER HERE. WE GOT OUT AT PARQUE EJIDO METRO STATION. AFTER TAKING A COUPLE OF PHOTOS OF WRITERS (THERE ARE MANY STATUES OF POETS AND NOVELISTS HERE), WE WAKED THE REST OF THE WAY TO THE HOTEL.