Viewpoint from the bridge

You are now on Holmensbro, one of the many bridges of the city. Passing above a canal, this landmark offers a great view on a few monuments. For example, on your left, you can see the church where Niels Juel was buried, which I talked about just before. On the other side, there is a construction zone a bit further away. That’s the Børsen, also known as the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, in full reconstruction. In April 2024, a big fire occurred and burned the building to the ground. Locals helplessly witnessed the downfall of one the city’s most beautiful buildings. Most beautiful indeed, for it embodied Flemish and Dutch Renaissance at best with its impressive 56-meter-high tower. One thing is certain: this building did not go unnoticed! Sadly, both the tower and facade collapsed during the fire. Built by King Christian IV from 1619 to 1640, the Børsen was to transform this city into a big commercial hub. And to achieve that, the king really gave it his all. For this exquisite building, he imported red bricks from the Netherlands and marble columns from Tuscany. Standing for more than 400 years, the Børsen, unfortunately, did not survive the flames. I’m afraid that you won’t see the beautiful Danish building before many years. With many years of reconstruction and renovation ahead, let’s hope that it’ll rise from its ashes one day. In the meantime, let’s go see another one just beside!