Christians Kirke (Christian's Church), Copenhagen

Christian's Church (Christians Kirke), situated in the Christianshavn district of Copenhagen, stands as a remarkable example of Rococo architecture. Designed by Nicolai Eigtved, its construction spanned from 1754 to 1759. Originally known as Frederick's German Church, it catered to the German community of Christianshavn until the late 19th century. Today, it serves as a regular parish church within the Danish National Church, reflecting its historical roots to King Christian IV, who founded Christianshavn in 1611.

Architecturally, Christian's Church is distinctive for its rectangular layout, with the nave unusually positioned between the shorter sides of the rectangle, enhancing its width. Constructed from yellow Flensborg brick with sandstone finishes, the church features Ionic pilasters at the portal and tall, round-arched windows. A notable addition is the spire, designed by Eigtved's son-in-law D. G. Anthon in 1769, which rises to 70 meters at the northern façade.

Internally, the church resembles a theatre, with benches flanked by three tiers of galleries complete with boxes on the northern, western, and southern sides. These galleries are designed to give congregants an unobstructed view of the podium on the eastern side, staged similarly to a theatre. This podium features a unique altarpiece that integrates an altar table, pulpit, and an organ at the top, facing an ornate entrance topped by a royal box.

The church's musical heritage is highlighted by its impressive organ, originally built in 1759 by Hartvig Jochum Müller, and replaced over the years with newer instruments, the latest from P.-G. Andersen in 1976.

Below the nave lies a large crypt covering the entire area above, divided into 48 burial chapels. It has been in use since the church's consecration and houses the graves of notable figures such as Danish historian Peter Frederik Suhm and rock and roll guitarist Link Wray, who was buried there in 2005.