Rundetårn, or Round Tower in English, is one of the most iconic buildings in Copenhagen. In 1642, the round tower was completed with an astronomical observatory, equipped with telescopes and a planetarium at its summit. The builder was King Christian IV, and he defied the requests of his contemporary astronomers to place the tower at a high location outside the city. Initially, Rundetårn was intended as part of a Trinity complex; hence, it was built together with Trinitatis Church, where the university library later relocated to its loft. In this way, science (Rundetårn), faith (the church), and knowledge (the library) were combined in one magnificent complex.
The Spiral Ramp
Between the inner and outer cylinders of the Round Tower runs a so-called spiral ramp, winding up 7 ½ times to the top. The ascent in the tower is thus free of stairs. There have been many theories about the spiral ramp. One was that the heavy instruments could be pulled up. Another was that the gout-afflicted Christian IV could be pulled up. The truth is probably closer to the fact that it was simply fun and different. In 1716, the Russian tsar Peter the Great visited, and he rode up the tower on horseback with great pleasure. And in 1902, a German engineer drove up in an automobile. By the way, an annual race for unicycles up and down the spiral ramp is held. The record is 1.48 minutes.
17th Century Rebus
In the middle of the tower’s front side, a genuine Renaissance rebus adorns Rundetårn. Notes have been found in King Christian IV’s private papers related to this rebus. The rebus consists of Latin and Hebrew words as well as symbols such as the heart, the king’s monogram and the golden sword. It is believed to be read as: “May God lead righteousness into the heart of King Christian IV.” Righteousness being the golden sword, God being the Hebrew Jahve and the correct doctrine being the Latin Doctrinam. However, for many Copenhageners, it is read from left to right, from top to bottom as: “The Doctor’s Trine with a knife directs squiggle into the heart of Christian IV.”
Safe Space
Since Rundetårn was completed in 1642, its thick walls have provided protection for Copenhageners seeking refuge. This was evident during various events, including the Swedish siege of the city in 1659, the major fire in 1728 and the English bombardment in 1807. During all of these incidents, people sought shelter behind the 1.6-metre-thick walls. The spiral ramp not only was filled with Copenhageners but also with all their goods and chattels. During World War II, the key to the tower was hung on the outside, allowing people to seek shelter in case of an air raid. However, the key was stolen several times and had to be placed behind a glass pane with the magistrate’s protective seal.
