Old Stock Exchange (Borsen), Copenhagen

Constructed by a pair of Flemish-Danish architects as a testimony to Copenhagen's wealth in the 17th century, "the commodity bourse" (Børsen), later known as the stock exchange, was built under the reign of Christian IV, from 1619 to 1640. Fit to impress foreign and local merchants arriving by sea, its design declared a clear intention to bolster Copenhagen as a Northern European trade hub. Like many other buildings in the city during that period, this eye-catching red-brick structure was inspired by the Dutch Renaissance style; the inscription on its low facade, stretching out along the waterside, reads "For the profitable use of buyer and seller."

Throughout centuries, the building underwent several modifications, most significantly in the 19th century. Until 1974, it served as the Danish stock market and today houses the Danish Chamber of Commerce.

A popular tourist attraction, the Bourse was most noted for its iconic "Dragon Spire" (Dragespir), shaped as the tails of four dragons twined together and topped by crowns to symbolize the union of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Perhaps it also showed an aspiration of Copenhagen to rule the united Scandinavian empire as its commercial capital.

Originally built in 1625, the 56-meter (184-foot) spire was replaced in 1775 due to structural concerns. According to legend, it was also to protect against enemies and fires – and true enough, for many years, the building was spared from damage, while the neighboring structures burnt to the ground. The luck ceased on 16 April 2024, when a fire caused by renovation work severely damaged the building, destroying half of it and toppling the spire itself. Recognizing the cultural impact akin to the Notre Dame fire (the disaster struck just over five years after a similar tragedy at Notre Dame, marking a poignant moment for Denmark), the authorities vowed to rebuild the property.

Meanwhile, the nearby island of Christian's Harbor (Christianshavn) – Copenhagen's "Little Amsterdam" district – has its own distinct spires quite interesting to see up close (or zoom in).

Tip:
For a nice overview picture of the Bourse, take an elevator in the nearby Christiansborg Palace, on the other side of the road. The inside of the Bourse is accessible only during a Culture Night that is held annually in October. The queues to get in can be quite long, though.