Absalon's Castle, Castle ruins under Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Absalon's Castle consists of underground remains beneath Christiansborg Palace, featuring limestone walls, medieval foundations, and a preserved oak trunk well from the 12th century. The archaeological finds have been preserved in the palace basement and remain visible to visitors.
Bishop Absalon built the fortress in 1167 to protect Copenhagen and strengthen church authority. The structure stood for nearly two centuries until the Hanseatic League destroyed it in 1369, marking a major shift in the city's medieval history.
The name comes from Bishop Absalon, who founded the fortress and left a lasting mark on the city. Visitors can see how the medieval walls and foundations reveal everyday life and building practices of that era.
The ruins are accessible only through guided tours of Christiansborg Palace's basement, where informational panels explain the archaeological discoveries. Expect stairs and uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring.
The medieval well contained marble fragments from an associated church, providing archaeologists with clues about religious buildings. These stone pieces tell a story about how religious and secular structures once stood side by side.
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