DK Travel : Copenhagen : The Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter

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The Latin Quarter is home to Copenhagen’s university, where Latin used to be the spoken language. One of the oldest areas in the city, it is full of 17th-century buildings that were built by the architect king, Christian IV. Although there have been dwellings here since medieval times, most of them were destroyed in the disastrous fire that spread across Copenhagen in 1728 . Today, the Latin Quarter is a lively and bustling student area brimming with shops and cafés.
This area is known for its hip, alternative shops. Studenterhuset, opposite Regensen, is a cheap option. Tsar Peter of Russia supposedly rode his horse to the top of the Rundetårn in 1715, his wife following in a coach and six. More on shops in Strøget and the neighbouring area.

Top 10 Features

1. Helligåndskirken

1. Helligåndskirken

The Church of the Holy Ghost was originally part of a monastery built in 1296 and dissolved in 1536. The Helligåndshuset, the monastery’s west wing, is the city’s only preserved medieval building.
2. Synagogen

Built in 1833, this is Copenhagen’s oldest synagogue. One of the few in Europe to have survived Nazi occupation, today it is the primary synagogue for the city’s 3,000-strong Jewish community.
3. Rundetårn

3. Rundetårn

The Round Tower was built in 1642 by Christian IV as an observatory, its official role till 1861. It is now open to the public (see Rundetårn ). 34.8 m (114 ft) high, it has a wide internal ramp that spirals almost to the top. It also holds art exhibitions and classical concerts.
4. Universitetet

4. Universitetet

Founded in 1479 by Christian I, this was Denmark’s first university. The Neo-Classical building that stands here today is from the 19th century. In the courtyard, there are the remains of an old Bishop’s Palace (1420). Disorderly students used to be placed in its cellar as punishment. Most of the university is now on the island of Amager.
5. Trinitatis Kirke

5. Trinitatis Kirke

This magnificent church was built in 1637–57 for the staff and students of the university. If it happens to be closed when you visit, you could enter Rundetårn and look down the church nave through the glass panel at the start of the ramp.
6. Vor Frue Kirke

6. Vor Frue Kirke

In the 12th century, Bishop Absalon founded a Gothic church on this site. After burning down twice, the present Neo-Classical building was completed in 1829, but the tower is from medieval times. One of the bells is Denmark’s oldest (1490) and another (weighing 4 tonnes) is the biggest.
7. Sankt Petri Kirke

Older than Vor Frue Kirke, this church also suffered from city fires and the British bombardment (1807). It has a vaulted sepulchral chapel with monuments and tombs that date back to 1681–83.
8. Regensen

Opposite the Rundetårn, this student residence was built in the 17th century. It burned down in the great fire of 1728, but was rebuilt in the same year. Even today, the students retain several old traditions, including “storming” Rundetårn every May.
9. Højbro Plads

9. Højbro Plads

A popular square, the equestrian statue here depicts Bishop Absalon, founder of Copenhagen, pointing towards the site of his original castle on Slotsholmen.
10. Gråbrødretorv

Named after the Grey Brothers who built Copenhagen’s first monastery here, this 13th-century square is now a popular place to eat in the open air.

Practical Information

This area is known for its hip, alternative shops. Studenterhuset, opposite Regensen, is a cheap option. Hellingåndskirken Niels Hemmingsensgade 5 33 15 41 44 open 12pm–4pm Mon–Sat Synagogen Krystal-gade 12 33 12 88 68 open sundown Fri, 9am Sat adm for guided tour Rundetårn, Trinitatis Kirke Købmagergade 52A 33 73 03 73 Tower open Jun–Aug 10am–8pm Mon–Sat, noon–5pm Sun; Sep–May 10am–5pm Mon–Sat, noon–5 pm Sun www.rundetårn.dk Church open 9:30am–4:30pm Mon–Sat www.trinitatiskirke.dk Universitetet Nørregade 10 35 32 26 26 open 9am–5pm daily www.ku.dk/english/ Vor Frue Kirke Nørregade 8 open 10am–noon Mon–Sat Sankt Petri Kirke Skt Peders St 2 33 13 38 33 open 10am–noon Sun