Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace stands on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, Denmark, at Prins Jørgens Gård 1. It is the only building in the world that houses all three branches of government: the Danish Parliament (Folketinget), the Prime Minister's Office and the Supreme Court. The current palace, in a granite and copper-roofed neo-baroque style, was completed in 1928 after earlier palaces on the site burned down, and it is still used by the Queen for official receptions. Visitors can explore several separate parts. The Royal Reception Rooms contain the Great Hall with its tapestries depicting a thousand years of Danish history, as well as ceremonial dining rooms and drawing rooms. Beneath the palace, the Ruins of the medieval Absalon's Castle and the later Copenhagen Castle can be seen in a dark underground excavation, a quiet contrast to the grand rooms above. The Royal Stables and the Royal Kitchen offer more practical glimpses of court life, and the Parliament can sometimes be visited on a guided tour. The free viewing tower, at about 106 metres, is the tallest tower in the city and offers a panoramic view over rooftops, spires and the harbour; there is also a restaurant on top. Visitors normally spend one to three hours, depending on how many parts they choose, and combining the tower with the ruins fits a short visit. Entry to the tower involves a security check, and queues are usually short outside midday in summer. Dusk gives the best light for the view and for photographs of the facade from the courtyard. The palace is near the National Museum, Thorvaldsens Museum and the Royal Library Garden, so it fits easily into a day on Slotsholmen. Opening days differ between sections and by season, so visitors should check the official calendar before arrival.