Nyholm Central Guardhouse, Baroque military building in Holmen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nyholm Central Guardhouse is a baroque military building positioned at the entrance of the naval base on the waterfront. The structure features a distinctive roof ridge with a small turret and clock that dominates its exterior appearance.
Naval Secretary Frederik Danneskiold-Samsøe commissioned the construction in 1744 as a replacement for an older structure that had been located within the Neptune Battery. This new building marked a significant step in the modernization of the harbor's defensive infrastructure.
The building displays the characteristic open-front design typical of guard house architecture, which allowed sentries to watch the area while remaining sheltered from the elements. This style of construction was common for military watch posts and continues to define the appearance of this waterfront location.
The building sits directly on the waterfront and is easy to spot from the harbor side, making it a useful landmark for orientation. Since it remains an active military site, indoor visits may be restricted, but the exterior can be viewed from the public areas of the island.
The clock mounted on the roof in 1753 was a personal gift from King Frederick V, leading to the local nickname 'Under Kronen'. This royal gift gives the functional military structure an unexpected layer of royal connection.
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