World Capital of Architecture 2023

An overview to understand the architectural and urban evolution from a small walled center to a cutting-edge capital. Roads, buildings and underground areas provide us with essential information about the origins of the city and who started living there. The earliest archeological traces of the city of Copenhagen date back to 1000 (late Viking age), when agriculture and fishing were the main activities. Its location by the sea has made it into an important centre for maritime and land-based trade. The expansion of Copenhagen and its rapid demographic growth take place when the city was in Absalon’s hands. He was bishop of Roskilde and archbishop of Lund. Massive walls of defence were erected during his very command and were changed over the years according to the needs for protection. In the 1850s the four iconic city’s gates were permanently dismantled as a consequence of their loss of military value and Copenhagen’s transition to a modern city, which was really booming. Today we can see some remains of the old fortifications. Where it once one could go in and out the city, we can now take the subway, do shopping and join the view on modern buildings. During this visit we will travel back in time in order to know the origins of the Danish capital and we will move from west to east and from north to south to retrace its architectural and urban evolution. In addition, we will see up close the iconic buildings, that have marked Danish architecture history through different materials and styles. We will also talk about current and future projects so to fully enjoy this city’s heterogeneous, yet harmonious soul. Among others, Copenhagen has been named World Capital of Architecture for 2023 by UNESCO and will host the International Union of Architect’s World Congress. At its second edition, the initiative supported by UNESCO in partnership with UIA is meant to highlight the role of architecture and urban planning in shaping a sustainable future and tackling global challenges. Designated triennially, the city World Capital of Architecture will become an international forum for debate around issues related to the urban environment.

The technical itinerary may undergo changes in order to improve the guided experience. In addition, specific stops at the several sites of interest (museums, shops, showrooms, galleries, churches) - where expected - are subject to availability on the day and time of the visit. The chronological order of visits may be changed even at the last moment if circumstances require it, while maintaining the contents of the program unchanged.