Christian V (1670-1699) was the first Absolute Monarch with unlimited political power. His contribution to the city's buildings reflect this position.
Vor Frelsers Kirke
At Christianshavn you will find Vor Frelsers Kirke, The Church of our Savior. The Church is characterized by its spire with an exterior winding staircase which leads up to a golden globe with a statue of the victorious Christ on top.
Inside you will see the relief of two elephants supporting the large organ. In the ceiling the chains of the Order of the Elephant and the Order of Dannebrog are exhibited, two orders instigated by King Christian V.
Kongens Nytorv
Literally "The Kings New Square", this was established during the reign of Christian V. He is the king you see on the equestrian statue in the centre of the Square.
Nyhavn
Or "The New Harbour" is a broad canal situated by the above-mentioned Square. It was dug by Swedish prisoners of war. If you walk along the canal on the right hand side towards the sea, you can look across the canal to the opposite side and see a row of gabled houses dating back to the late 1600's. Number 9, by the way, is one of the best preserved.
On the corner of Kongens Nytorv and Bredgade the pink building today houses the French Embassy. It was built for Niels Juel, a Danish naval hero who acquitted himself in the Battle of Køge Bay in 1660.
Kastellet
At the end of Bredgade you will find Kastellet, a perfect example of a military fort designed by the Dutch architect Henrik Rüse (1624-79).
Today it is a military barracks but in spite of this open to the public. A walk on the surrounding rampart is popular among the Copenhageners.
The Dutch Windmill from 1847, high on the embankment, is still in working order. Once a year, on October 28th, you can see the wings turning. It supplied flour for the Citadel bakery.