With its copper-green dome rising above neighboring rooftops, Frederik's Church is an arresting sight in the downtown Copenhagen district of Frederiksstaden. This magnificent building is also known as the Marble Church for the Norwegian marble that went into its construction. Inside and out it is richly decorated with statues and carvings. Admire the grandiose architecture and religious art and climb the tower for gorgeous city views.
Building work started on the church in 1749 but because of long delays, including a century of inactivity, it wasn't completed until 1894.
Start your visit with a walk around the church to study the statues of leading figures from Danish church history. Among those at street level is Hans Adolph Brorson, a bishop and hymn writer, while on the roof terrace there are carvings of important people from wider church history. These include Moses and Martin Luther, who initiated the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
Once inside, appreciate the craftsmanship of the late 19th-century pine altarpiece. Look up at the dome's interior which is decorated with frescoes of Christ's apostles. This cupola has a diameter of approximately 102 feet (31 meters) making it one of the largest church domes in Europe. Climb up to the top of the dome’s tower for lofty views of the city.
During your time in the Danish capital see if there are concerts at the church. Details and ticket prices are published on the church’s official website.
Frederik's Church, an Evangelical Lutheran church, is open daily for visitors, except during services and concerts. The dome is open daily for a couple of hours each afternoon in the summer and on weekends throughout the rest of the year. There is a charge for this which is only payable in cash. Discounts are available for children under the age of 18. Ride public transportation to get to the church or drive and use street parking, available for a fee. There are no parking charges on Sundays or public holidays.
