Church of Our Saviour
Hovedstaden
The Church of Our Saviour, located in Copenhagen's Christianshavn district, is a distinguished baroque church renowned for its unique external spiral staircase that ascends the tower, providing visitors with sweeping views over central Copenhagen. Designed by Lambert van Haven, construction began in 1682 and the church was inaugurated in 1695, though the iconic spire was added later under architect Lauritz de Thurah, completed in 1752. The church's architecture features a Dutch baroque style with a Greek cross layout, red and yellow tiled walls, and sandstone pilasters. Inside, notable elements include Nicodemus Tessin's masterful altarpiece depicting the Garden of Gethsemane and a grand organ built by the Botzen Brothers with over 4000 pipes, still used in concerts today. The tower rises three stories above the western arm, crowned by a black and gold spire reaching 90 meters, with an external staircase turning four times counterclockwise. The church also houses two crypts accessible via gates at street level. The carillon plays melodies every hour from 8 am to midnight, adding to the church's cultural significance. Visitors can enjoy both the architectural beauty and the panoramic views from the spire, making it a unique landmark in Copenhagen.
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Tip: Visit during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid queues for climbing the spire. The church offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Check the official website for concert schedules and special events held throughout the year.
Interesting facts
- •The external spiral staircase turns four times counterclockwise, inspired by the spiral lantern of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza in Rome.
- •The church's organ has over 4000 pipes and includes the original cymbelstern, producing sounds heard over 300 years ago.
- •King Frederik V personally climbed the tower at the spire's completion ceremony in 1752.
- •The carillon plays melodies every hour from 8 am to midnight, enriching the church's auditory presence in the city.
- •An urban legend falsely claims the spire's architect committed suicide due to the spiral's direction, but historical records disprove this.
History
The Church of Our Saviour's origins trace back to plans by Christian IV in 1617 for Christianshavn as an independent merchant town needing a church.
A temporary church was established in 1639, but the current church's construction started in 1682, designed by Lambert van Haven, and was inaugurated in 1695 without a spire.
The permanent altar was installed in 1732.
Later, under King Frederik V, architect Lauritz de Thurah redesigned and completed the spire in 1752, which features the famous external spiral staircase.
Despite urban legends, de Thurah did not die by suicide but passed away peacefully years after the spire's completion.
Place Guide
External Spiral Staircase1752
A unique external staircase winding four times counterclockwise around the spire, offering panoramic views of Copenhagen's skyline and harbor. It is the church's most famous architectural feature and a must-visit for adventurous climbers.
Nicodemus Tessin's Altarpiece1732
An intricate altarpiece depicting the Garden of Gethsemane scene, featuring Jesus comforted by an angel and symbolic figures representing Pietas and Justitia, reflecting the King's motto. It is considered a masterpiece of baroque art within the church interior.
Historic Organ1698-1700
Built by the Botzen Brothers between 1698 and 1700, this large organ has over 4000 pipes and retains the original cymbelstern. It is supported by two carved elephants and features a bust of King Christian V. The organ is still used for concerts and church services.
Tower and Spire1752
The tower rises three stories above the western arm of the church, decorated with sandstone cornices and round-arched openings. The black and gold spire reaches 90 meters high, crowned with a gilded clock face on each side and the external spiral staircase.
Contact
Phone: 41 66 63 57
