Welcome to Copenhagen’s Frederik's Church, popularly known as The Marble Church (Marmorkirken) due to its impressive rococo architecture. Serving as an Evangelical Lutheran parish church, this site forms the central focal point of the historic Frederiksstaden district, located due west of Amalienborg Palace. Originally designed around 1740 by architect Nicolai Eigtved to commemorate the 300-year jubilee of the House of Oldenburg's first coronation, the site endured a dramatic history. Construction halted after royal plan changes, leaving it as a ruin for nearly 150 years until financier Carl Frederik Tietgen hired Ferdinand Meldahl to complete it, finally opening the doors in 1894.
When you visit, you will marvel at Scandinavia's largest church dome, spanning 31 meters (102 feet) across twelve supporting columns. Inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Roman Baroque dome boasts gold window frames and a colorful fresco painted on its interior ceiling. Outdoors, explore the surrounding grounds encircled by statues of prominent theologians, church history figures, and iconic Danish figures like N.F.S.
Grundtvig and Søren Kierkegaard. Take note of the front portico entablature, which displays the gold-lettered inscription: HERRENS ORD BLIVER EVINDELIG. Today, it stands as a vast architectural monument, concert venue, and art display space you will not want to miss.
What to see at Frederik's Church
- Scandinavia's largest church dome, spanning 31 meters across twelve columns
- St. Peter's Basilica-inspired Roman Baroque dome featuring a colorful ceiling fresco and gold window frames
- Exterior grounds surrounded by statues of key historical figures, including Grundtvig and Kierkegaard
- Gold-lettered biblical inscription carved into the front portico entablature
- Historic location serving as the focal point of the Frederiksstaden district near Amalienborg Palace
Visiting tips
Look closely at the front portico entablature to read the gold-lettered Danish inscription translating to 'the word of the Lord endureth for ever.'
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Frederik's Church is easy to reach on Copenhagen’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Tivoli Gardens and Christiansborg Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Copenhagen travel guide.
See the full Copenhagen travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.