Assistens Cemetery

Assistens Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1760 by Frederick V of Denmark as a response to the plague that ravaged the city. The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Danes, including Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard, and Niels Bohr. It is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects to the famous Danish authors, philosophers, and scientists buried there, such as Georg Brandes, Johannes Ewald, and Henrik Pontoppidan. The cemetery is managed by the Copenhagen Municipality and is a member of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe.

● History

The history of Assistens Cemetery dates back to the 18th century, when it was established as a burial ground for the Copenhagen population, which was growing rapidly due to the Industrial Revolution and the influx of people from the Danish countryside. The cemetery was designed by Johan Cornelius Krieger, a Danish architect who also designed the Rosenborg Castle and the Church of Our Saviour (Copenhagen). During the Napoleonic Wars, the cemetery was used as a barracks for the Danish Army, and many soldiers who died during the Battle of Copenhagen (1801) are buried there. The cemetery has also been the site of many notable funerals, including those of Hans Linstow, Thorvald Stauning, and Viggo Hørup.

● Notable Interments

Assistens Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Danes, including Hans Christian Andersen, who is buried near the Copenhagen City Hall, and Søren Kierkegaard, who is buried near the Church of the Holy Spirit (Copenhagen). Other notable interments include Niels Bohr, Georg Brandes, Johannes Ewald, Henrik Pontoppidan, Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Christen Købke. The cemetery is also the resting place of many Danish authors, such as Johannes Vilhelm Jensen, Martin Andersen Nexø, and Karen Blixen, as well as Danish philosophers like Harald Høffding and Edvard Brandes. Additionally, the cemetery is the final resting place of Danish scientists like Niels Ryberg Finsen and August Krogh, and Danish politicians like Thorvald Stauning and Viggo Hørup.

● Layout and Architecture

The layout and architecture of Assistens Cemetery are characterized by the neoclassical architecture style, which was popular in Denmark during the 18th and 19th centuries. The cemetery is designed as a park cemetery, with winding paths and trees and shrubs planted throughout the grounds. The cemetery is surrounded by a wall and has several gates, including the main gate, which is located on Kapelvej. The cemetery also features several monuments and mausoleums, including the mausoleum of Bertel Thorvaldsen, which was designed by Gottlieb Bindesbøll. The cemetery is also home to the Assistens Cemetery Chapel, which was built in 1895 and is used for funerals and other ceremonies.

● Cultural Significance

Assistens Cemetery has significant cultural importance in Denmark and is considered one of the most important cultural heritage sites in the country. The cemetery is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects to the famous Danish authors, philosophers, and scientists buried there. The cemetery has also been the subject of several books and films, including the novel "The Copenhagen Trilogy" by Tove Ditlevsen, which features the cemetery as a central location. The cemetery is also an important part of Danish history and has been the site of many significant events, including the funeral of Hans Christian Andersen, which was attended by King Christian IX of Denmark and Queen Louise of Denmark.

● Visitor Information

Visitors to Assistens Cemetery can access the cemetery through the main gate on Kapelvej or through several smaller gates located throughout the grounds. The cemetery is open to the public every day of the year, and admission is free. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery, which features several maps and signs that provide information about the notable interments and the history of the cemetery. The cemetery also offers guided tours, which can be booked through the Copenhagen Municipality or through private tour companies like Copenhagen Walking Tours and Denmark Tours. Visitors can also attend events and ceremonies at the cemetery, including funerals and memorial services, which are typically held at the Assistens Cemetery Chapel. The cemetery is located near several public transportation options, including the Nørreport Station and the Forum Station, and is within walking distance of several hotels and restaurants in the Nørrebro district. Category:Cemeteries in Denmark