Kastellet, Pentagon-shaped citadel in central Copenhagen, Denmark.
Kastellet is a pentagon-shaped fortress in central Copenhagen featuring five bastions connected by ramparts and surrounded by water-filled moats. The complex can be accessed through two monumental gates with decorated facades and contains a church, powder magazine, and commander's residence.
Dutch engineer Henrik Ruse designed and completed this military fortress in 1667 following the Swedish siege of Copenhagen to strengthen the city's defenses. The complex was built quickly in response to this external threat and remained a key fortification for the city.
The Citadel Church from 1704 has sound holes built into its walls that allowed imprisoned soldiers to hear religious services from their cells. This architectural detail shows how daily military life was connected to spiritual practices.
Access is via permanent bridges at the south entrance, with marked paths leading throughout the grounds. The flat, open layout makes it easy to explore, and most areas are freely accessible.
A working windmill from 1847 at King's Bastion still produces flour and maintains its original purpose from the fortress era. This mill demonstrates how the fortress needed self-sufficiency and continues a craft from that historical period today.
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