My first stop at Copenhagen aka Kobenhavn was the Church of Our Savior. Even from far away the look of the spiral tower is just spectacular. Unfortunately I couldn't go inside the church as a private event was happening there. I was pretty much dejected and then I figured out the the entrance to the spire was from the side and in I went.
I can't say anything about the Church as I didn't go there. So, here's more about the tower. This was built in 1752. It was designed by architect Lauritz de Thurah. As soon as you enter there might be a long queue along the steps. Don't worry, that's not how it would be till the top. The initial climb is about 20 steps after which is the ticketing office to the tower. The queue is for the ticketing office. After that, about a 100 steps is like regular spiral cemented steps at which point is a window and a closed door. I was really confused if this was the end! However the closed door, isn't locked and beyond this closed door is another era, altogether! The whole place is made of oak wood, reminding me much of my aunt's ancestral home and Kalangal village houses!
The steps from this point weren't really spiral, but broken spirals, There were several stoppages with little room like structures and then again it would continue. Here's a warning, if you're scared of heights and narrow/closed spaces, don't even consider climbing this. I'll tell you about the height later, but the space is so narrow, so narrow that at some places, only 1 person can fit at a time. So at the junctions you'll have to wait for the one coming down, before you get the passage free to go up.
This is a Baroque architecture and in Denmark, Baroque art movement didn't have a strong hold. This was commissioned by King Christian V, son of King Frederick III. The church was built in 1680s, about 70 years before the spire was built. Its said that the spire part actually move slightly in a strong wind which would feel scary standing atop there. However the day I went, wasn't windy and I didn't feel anything such. The total height from the ground is 90m to the top of the spire.
From here I thought the view of Copenhagen was spectacular, but I was mistaken. Even after reaching this point, are few more steps that spiral, along the outside of the spire!!! This last part is challenging for even those to manage to climb upto the balcony.
This section is made of metal and the last few steps just taper at the end. So reaching the topmost step is impossible, as that's just a tapered end. I reached as much as I could squeeze through and the view from here is way too spectacular esp to see the balcony down under and toy sized cars parked near the church's entrance was way too enthralling.
To Get There:
Nearest metro station: Christianhavn
Entry ticket to the spire: 45 kr
Can be bought at the counter inside side entrance
P.S: I was invited by The Church of our Savior to visit for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.
