Excursion around the City

For my Copenhagen: History and Contemporary Urban Issues class we were given an assignment to learn the historic legacy behind the city. We were given a guide to Copenhagen history and a map. Our professor told us to have fun and explore the designated areas. The area covered in our assignment is the oldest part of the city, which is referred to as Medieval Copenhagen.  With our guide, map and cameras in hand, my friend and I eagerly set out to explore the inner Copenhagen. 

Our first stop was the corner of Vestergade/West Street and Rådhuspladsen/ City Hall. This area was the site of the original Vesterport/West Gate. The gate was used by travelers arriving or departing on the road to Roskilde. Today, Rådhuspladen/City Hall Square is Copenhagen’s central square.

 

These markers are in several places around the city. I have walked past this area a few times and haven't noticed this marker...kind of sad. But the markers indicate where the medieval Copenhagen end.

The second stop was Gammeltorv and Nytov/Old Market and New Market.This area is the oldest square in Copenhagen and was the city’s central square until the construction of Rådhuspladen/City Hall Square. In the square is a fountain with a woman and her children. Apparently, the water will come out of the woman's boobs. My mom told me about this fountain and I told her I don't know where it is, needless to say I walk past it everyday as I get off the bus.

The third destination was Frue Plads/Square of Our Lady (Cathedral Square). We tried to go in the courtyard of the University of Copenhagen, but the door was locked. However, we did go in the Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke). The inside is wonderful! 

 

 

Nørreport/North Gate was our fourth stop. In the Medieval times, this area was the site of the entrance/exit gate to the city for traffic coming from or going to the north-west. Now Nørreport Station stands there. Here we can catch the metro, the commuter train (S-trains), regional trains, and buses. In the future, ventilation towers will be added.

Our final stop for the day was The Ramparts: Israel Plads/Square and Ørstedsparken/Ørsted Park. The park was so pretty. Since the sun was shining, the ice and snow on the lake were glistening. We walked around the park admiring the many statues. Part of our assignment was to observe the shape of the lake, which was a zig-zag since there are remains of the original ditch and bastion. 

After we the park we decided to go treat ourselves by going to a bakery. So on our way we walked down the street named Teglgårdsstræde, which is one of the best preserved and most charming Neoclassical neighborhoods in Copenhagen.

After walking down the street we headed towards one of the best, if not the best, bakery in town. As we approached the window of Lagkagehuset Bakery on Strøget, my friends and I were ready for some of the best tasting pastries. Deciding which pastry to eat was a difficult task, but I finally choose the jordbærkage. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! After that dessert, I have decided to try almost everything at that bakery…I mean I do have about 3 and a half more months.  After our stop, we went home for the evening.