Skip navigation
The Tower of Nicolaj Church in Copenhagen seen from Vingaardstræde, D837

Explanation

  • The Church of St Nicholas was destroyed in the great fire of Copenhagen in 1795. All that remained sufficiently undamaged to be allowed to remain standing was the sturdy tower, which from 1822 served as the city fire station. From the platform at the top, a guard kept a constant watch to discover possible fires anywhere in the city. It was also here that a flag was raised on 17 September 1838 as the ship the Rota with Thorvaldsen on board approached Copenhagen harbor, ensuring that all the citizens knew when to make for the Custom House. The small booths around the tower were the city’s butchers’ stalls, which were all grouped together here.