Christiansborg Ridebane, Royal riding ground at Slotsholmen, Denmark
Christiansborg Ridebane is a royal riding ground on Slotsholmen in Copenhagen, featuring two symmetrical wings with stable buildings and a central courtyard adjacent to Christiansborg Palace. The complex houses the royal equestrian facilities, administrative spaces for Parliament and the Supreme Court, and a theater that now contains the Theater Museum.
Built between 1738 and 1745 by architects Elias David Häusser and Nicolai Eigtved, this riding ground is the sole surviving section of the original Christiansborg Palace complex. It endured the major palace fire of 1794 and has remained in continuous use as an equestrian facility since its construction.
The riding ground serves as a living center for Danish equestrian heritage, with the Royal Stable Administration actively maintaining the arenas and stables. Visitors can observe how horsemanship practices have remained rooted in this location for generations.
The site is easily accessible, located directly beside Christiansborg Palace near the city center with good public transportation connections. Be aware that some sections may have restricted access due to Parliament operations and museum activities.
In 1857, Denmark's first arc lamp was installed here, marking an important technological leap in street lighting at the time. This early experiment with electric light made the site a landmark in Copenhagen's journey toward modern urban infrastructure.
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