Børsen, Renaissance stock exchange building in Slotsholmen, Denmark
Børsen is a Renaissance trading hall on Slotsholmen island in Copenhagen, Denmark, spanning 127 meters in length with red brick walls and a copper roof. The central spire consists of four dragon tails twisted together, rising 56 meters and topped by three gilded crowns.
King Christian IV commissioned the structure in 1640 to centralize the growing maritime trade of the city. Ships could dock directly along its three water sides, bringing goods from across Europe and beyond.
The name comes from an old word for marketplace and reflects centuries of trading tradition in this waterfront district. Business professionals now gather in the historic chambers while visitors admire the red brick facade and its curved gables that define the skyline along the canal.
The building is privately owned and can only be viewed from outside unless attending a business event. The waterside surroundings offer good walking paths, and bridges nearby provide clear views of the full length of the facade.
The four intertwined dragon tails atop the spire were chosen as protective symbols, and the building has apparently been guarded well, as neighboring structures burned down repeatedly. Local lore holds that the dragons shield the hall from fire and misfortune.
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