Iconic Piece of Historic Architecture in Copenhagen Destroyed by Fire
Today, one of the oldest and most iconic pieces of historic architecture in Denmark's capital was tragically decimated. On the morning of April 16, a fire started in the Børsen, aka Copenhagen's historic Stock Exchange, which quickly spread out of control, threatening to destroy the centuries-old building, which had become one of Copenhagen's most recognizable landmarks.
Thankfully, no one appears to have been injured at this time, though the remains of the building have yet to be fully investigated by firefighters. What we do know is that a large part of the structure was destroyed and several of its most iconic features consumed in the blaze, including its famous dragon spire.
The toppling object seen in the @dailymail's video was once the Børsen's iconic towering spire, formed in the shape of four entwined dragon tails. It, along with much of the 400-year-old building, was destroyed in today's blaze, the cause of which has yet to be determined.
The full extent of the fire's damage has not yet been determined, but even now, it's clear that the destruction is widespread and devastating. The historic Copenhagen landmark also contained an extensive collection of paintings and statues, Reuters reported, though some, including the building's most famous piece from the 19th century impressionist painter Peder Severin Kroyer, were thankfully rescued in time.
The Børsen's Illustrious History
According to the BBC, the Børsen was constructed in 1625, and was commissioned by Denmark's then-King Christian IV, who wanted to turn Copenhagen into a major trading center. The stock exchange was built in a stunning Dutch Renaissance style, its famous dragon spire representing the unity between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Situated in the heart of Denmark's capital near the Parliament building, the stately Børsen served as the city's financial center for hundreds of years, and still stands as an architectural triumph.
Even in the immediate aftermath, the psychological impact the fire has had on the people of Copenhagen is palpable. "Everybody is crying at the Danish Chamber of Commerce right now," Danish Chamber of Commerce CEO Brian Mikkelsen told Reuters.
The BBC reported that one local craftsman described the fire as "our Notre Dame," referring to the blaze that destroyed the Paris cathedral's famous spire in 2019, which prompted a near-five-year-long reconstruction project.
Unity in the Face of Tragedy
Despite the tragic destruction of one of the city's most famous historic landmarks, a silver lining could be found in the bravery shown by both first responders and passers-by. Danish culture minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt told The Independent that he witnessed random passers-by assisting first responders in saving iconic artworks from the burning building, a selfless series of actions he found "touching."
The old Stock Exchange holds an important place in the hearts of Copenhagen's locals, and everyone who could pitched in to save as much of it as possible. Like Notre Dame after the 2019 fire, Danes are determined to restore the beautiful building from the ashes, with Brian Mikkelsen vowing to the BBC that the Børsen will be rebuilt "no matter what."
For more WanderWisdom updates, be sure to follow us on Google News!
Have you had a funny, interesting, or just highly memorable experience while traveling? We'd love for you to submit a video of your travels for a chance to be featured on WanderWisdom and our social channels! Click here to upload your clip and share your adventures with the world.
