Stargazing and Denmark
We visited Denmark on our Scandinavian trip.
The sun was shining, it was a picture perfect day in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen and its canals ~ Denmark's own Venice.
The architecture is fabulous, and the old buildings are eye candy
to anyone with a vivid imagination and an interest of history.
Smack in the middle of the shopping district we find this gem.
Rundetårn Observatory (Rundetaarn or "Round Tower")
is one of those eye candy places.
Here king Christian IV came to stargaze in 1642,
he went all the way up the top on a horse-drawn carriage.
The 7.5 twist spiral inside the tower, built for horse drawn carriages - an equestrian ramp.
The king of Denmark Christian IV commissioned the astronomical tower,
and plans for it was underway already back in 1625.
The king of Denmark in all his pomp and glory. (Christian IV, 1577-1648)
The astronomical round tower was built as a way to study and research
the heavens, for world travels, to create maps and navigate the seas.
Rundetårn Tower drawn circa 1742.
The observation deck is located 114 feet (34.8 meter) above street level.
Below are some instruments that was used way back then to study the skies.
Tools for astronomical observations.
While the idea of the round tower being used as an
observatory of the skies, we enjoyed observing just the building itself.
The decorated entrance.
The outer facade have beautiful angel medallions, crowns and wreaths.
A bit weathered, this angel has probably seen it all.
The 17th Century angels are reminiscent of the wax seal intaglios
we work with the make the necklaces.
Cupids, angels and such, are still a popular heavenly theme.
A 375 year old angel.
The upper part of the tower has a gilded inscription.
King Christian IV wanted to put his own mark on the building,
and made a rebus out of it.
"Lead God, the right teaching and
justice into the heart of the crowned King Christian IV, 1642."
The observatory, stargazing and heavenly bodies has us
thinking of Mother's Day gifts of all things!
Back to work in other words...
We have to make more celestial wax seal necklaces in time for the 14th.
The sun, moon and stars ~ everything for your happiness.
Je Les Conjure Tous Pour Votre Bonheur
(I Invoke Them All For Thy Happiness)