Indre By — Andersen's Shadow Conspiracy

Your quest begins at Kongens Nytorv, a square created in 1670 by Christian V, inspired by French royal squares and spanning about 2 hectares. Here, the equestrian statue of Christian V, cast in bronze in 1683, dominates the space, its horse reaching 4.8 m in height. It was on this square that the Hôtel d'Angleterre was established in 1755, hosting Hans Christian Andersen in 1872. Kongens Nytorv also witnessed historical demonstrations, such as the 1780 revolt against alcohol taxes, showing that even places of power can become scenes of protest for Copenhagen's residents. Your first clue awaits you on the historic cobblestones of this royal square.

The path then leads you to Det Kongelige Teater, built in 1842 by C.F. Hansen, a neoclassical edifice 42 m wide with a pediment adorned with 6 muses, and a capacity of 1,560 seats. Hans Christian Andersen attended his own premieres here in 1845, including 'The Little Match Girl'. In 1909, the first performance of 'The Little Mermaid' ballet, choreographed by Elliot Hammann, was given. This theatre is a pillar of Sjaelland's cultural heritage, embodying centuries of Danish creativity. Your investigation continues along the Nyhavn canal, built in 1673 by Christian V, measuring 400 m long and 7 to 11 m wide.

In Nyhavn, you discover colorful houses dating from 1681 to 1780, classified as historic buildings since 1914. Hans Christian Andersen himself lived at Nyhavn 20 from 1845 to 1846, then at Nyhavn 18 from 1871 to 1872. This port, active until 1971, became a pedestrian zone in 1976. The maritime atmosphere and the writer's tales mingle here. Your journey then takes you to Kongens Have, the royal garden created in 1606 by Christian IV, spanning 4.7 hectares. In the center is Rosenborg Castle, built between 1606 and 1634, the summer residence of kings until 1790. Hans Christian Andersen walked here daily in the 19th century, and the garden houses 250 sculptures, including 'The Reclining Satyr' by Kai Nielsen (1920).

Continuing your investigation in Copenhagen, you arrive at Højbro Plads, a square created in 1791 during the widening of the Højbrostræde canal. The statue of Absalon, founder of Copenhagen, was erected in bronze by H.E. Freund in 1902. This place, a daily market since the 17th century, offers a direct view of Christiansborg Slot, seat of the Danish parliament since 1849. The political and commercial history of Sjaelland is revealed here. Your journey then leads you to Rundetårn, the Round Tower, built between 1642 and 1645 by Christian IV. Standing 36 m high, it is distinguished by its 268 m helical ramp. An astronomical observatory until 1861, used by Tycho Brahe in the 17th century, it was inaugurated in 1645. Hans Christian Andersen visited it in 1836, an event documented in his writings. Its platform offers a 360° view of Indre By.

Your quest concludes at Rosenborg Slot, a Renaissance castle built between 1606 and 1634 by Christian IV, with 3 floors and 24 state rooms. The treasures of the crown jewels have been exhibited here since 1690, notably the room of the 3 silver thrones. The adjacent baroque garden, created in 1710, contains the Triton fountain from 1796. Christian Andersen mentions the castle in 'The King's Garden' (1839). By completing this exploration of Copenhagen, you have not only discovered the secrets of the manuscript but also the rich heritage of Sjaelland, from royal sites to writers' homes, tracing a unique itinerary through Danish history and literature. This thematic circuit will have provided you with an interactive tour of the city, revealing anecdotes and unsuspected monuments.