Page 97 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Copenhagen

Christianshavn and Holmen ❮❮ 95

building with large glass windows and A WALKING TOUR OF THE AREA
no pillars on the ground floor so as
not to obstruct the view. The interior Opera
was designed to have a maritime House
feel as well, with big balconies, open
spaces and white railings. The position
of the Opera House caused major HARBOUR BUS
controversy when it was built, as it Knippelsbro
lies directly opposite Amalienborg. Café Christiania
Wilder
The design of the Opera House was Christians
Kirke
also the cause of some friction when No. 32
its benefactor, Mærsk McKinney Cirkelbroen Vor Frelsers
Kirke
Møller, insisted that his own ideas be
incorporated into the construction. MORNING
It is one of the most expensive opera
houses ever built, thanks to its marble Start at the Knippelsbro bridge.
foyer and gold-leaf auditorium ceiling. Built in 1937, the bridge takes
its name from Hans Knip, the
tollkeeper. Turn right to visit
Christians Kirke (see p41) on
Strandgade. Head north on
Johan Semps Gade to catch a
glimpse of Den Sorte Diamant
library (see p12) across the
harbour, then head west to
cross Cirkelbroen (see p93), a
pedestrian and bike bridge.
Follow the path past Appelbys
Plads to Overgaden Oven Vandet.
Take a left and walk along the
canal. Stop at No. 32 (built
1622–4), on Strandgade, which
is said to be the oldest house in
Christianshavn. From here, turn
right onto Sankt Annæ Gade to
see Vor Frelsers Kirke. If you are
curious about Christiania, follow
Overgaden Oven Vandet until
you can take a right down
Modern interior of Operaen Brobergsgade, passing through
the gate reading “You are now
Christiania
0 leaving the EU.” Alternatively,
stroll canalside and go right at
MAP M5
This rebellious squatters’ enclave, Bodenhoffs Plads, then left
onto Værftsbroen. Keep walking
set up in the 1970s in abandoned towards the Opera House. Hop
military barracks, was an inspi ra- on a harbour bus back to
tional new society with its own set Knippelsbro for lunch at Café
of laws, readily available drugs and Wilder (see p97) on Wildersgade.
no tax system. The area has now
become a bit more conventional; the AFTERNOON
inhabitants have been paying taxes Spend the afternoon shopping. If
since 1994, and the stands that sold you are in the mood for a drink,
drugs on Pusher Street closed down there are cafés all along the
in 2004. In 2011, residents and the Christianshavns Kanal. Linger
state came to an agreement giving over supper at Restaurant Barr
Christiania residents the right to buy, (Strandgade; tel: 32 96 32 93) or
making the squat official for the first catch a perfor mance at the Opera
time. There are no actual sights but House (taking bus No. 66 or the
harbour bus from Knippelsbro).
many hippy hangouts (see pp28–9).
See map on p92
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