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Above most rooftops of Copenhagen, in the elegant area of Frederiksstaden, you can see the copper green dome of the Marble Church. Impressively beautiful and near the Amalienborg Castle and The Opera, the Marble Church (or the Frederik’s Church, its official name) is one most tourists aspire to visit on a trip to the Danish city.
Having walked past this Lutheran church a few times before, I had never set foot inside its doorways. Currently, lots of construction behind and adjacent to the church takes away from its impressive facade, however, when stepping inside, you are struck by the awe-inspiring massive dome…the largest dome in Scandinavia…with a span of almost 102 feet and decorated with a painting of the twelve apostles. Though not as large, this dome was supposedly inspired by the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
In 1749, King Frederik V decided to build a church to honor God, the absolute monarchy and the royal house of Oldenborg celebrating the tercentenary of ruling the Country. The church and town were named after him and together with his leading court architect, Nicolai Eigtved, they embarked on the monumental project.
The foundation stone was laid October 30, 1749 and a mighty domed church was planned. Finances were limited but the King refused to cut back on materials, thus slowing progress. Large solid blocks of marble from eastern Norway were used to build the walls of the church, furthermore, increasing costs.
After the deaths of Eigtved in 1754 and King Frederik V in 1766, Frederik’s son, King Christian VII decided to suspend the project. No progress was made for 100 years with the walls, at barely a height of 60 feet. Although the site was deemed a ruin, it was a popular motif for many artists. Eventually, banker and financier C.F. Tietgen took over the project in 1874. The rebuilding started later that year under architect Ferdinand Meldahl and was finally completed, after 20 additional years of construction, on August 19, 1894.
One of the highlights of most Copenhagen tours, be sure to expect busloads of tourists to be on site. If you can dodge the hoards, however, be sure to take in the 14 bronze statues of prominent Danish Church Fathers that surround the church (with present construction, hard to see all). On the balustrade around the dome are sculptures in zinc of 18 historical figures from the bible…prophets and apostles, in addition to Martin Luther, the founder of Reformation. On the interior, note the motifs from the 42nd Psalm that flank the altar and observe the the church’s two organs. The oldest, referred to as the Swan Organ, is no longer in use, however, the newer Marcussen organ is currently being used during services (and was being tested while I was visiting). In the front chapel, take in the woodcarvings depicting the Deposition.
A most beautiful and historic church, that is well worth a visit while in Copenhagen, will take, at most, about a half hour to visit (unless taking the Dome Tour). It can be combined with a visit to Amalienborg Palace and countless other attractions in the area.
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The Marble Church
- http://www.marmorkirken.dk/
- Address: Frederiksgade 4, 1265 København K
- Admission: free
- Hours: Monday-Thursday and Saturday 1000-1700. Friday and Saturday, 1200-1700.
- Dome Tours, Saturday and Sunday 1300 and 1500 and weekdays at 1300 from June 15-August 31. Admission for dome tours, Adults, 35 DKK, Children (under 18), 20 DKK.
- Getting There: Bus, 1A, 15, 20E. Distance from Town Hall Square, 5 km, about 20-30 min walk.