Asgård Palace

Asgård Palace's northern facade seen from Kongsholmen

Asgård Palace (Tynic: Asgård Slot) is a principal royal residence and seat of power of the monarchy of Sjealand. The complex sits on the northern part of the Slotsholmen islet. Its is known for its long association with Asgård and the royal family of Sjealand. The original palace was built in the 10th century as a town hall for the city council of Asgård, however only the Riddersalen building remains of the first complex. Since the time of Frederik I it has been used by all monarchs. Its lavish 18th century interior and apartments have been famed for their masterfully crafted walls, tapestries and artistry. Inside the complex is both the throne-room of Sjealand, the crown regalia and the royal stables.

Primarily built as a means of negotiations and diplomacy for the city of Asgård, the palace underwent major reconstruction after the Great Fire of 1546, in which the majority of the palace was rebuilt to function as the primary seat of royal power in Sjealand, with the most luxurious facilities of the time, including running hot water via a set of underground hot springs, which are still used by the Royal Bath-House. The grand reconstruction of the palace would end up as the most expensive secular building project of rennaisance Nordania.

After a long period of neglect during the 18th century due to the monarchy moving outside of Asgård, Frederik II became the first High King in 170 years to live inside of Asgård and and renovated and rebuilt Christian I's palace at colossal expense, producing the current design of the State Apartments, full of Rococo, Gothic and Baroque furnishings. It is a popular tourist attraction, a venue for hosting state visits. I. Today more than 1000 people live and work in the complex.

Architecture

Asgård Palace occupies over 2 hectares and is comprised of 9 buildings interconnected by bridges and hallways. The current palace was built during a sequence of phases, ending in 1931 with the southern part being rebuilt in Art Deco style. Since the 11th century, architecture at the castle has attempted to produce a contemporary reinterpretation of older fashions and traditions, repeatedly imitating outmoded or even antiquated styles. The majority of the palace is built in gothic and neogothic styles, with the southernmost part being built in rococco and neo-classical.

Riddersal

The Riddersal forms the centre of the complex. It was originally built as a ball-room, but now functions as the administrative centre of the palace, as well as serving as the throne room of the Sjealandian Archkings. The Throne Room of Sjealand sits in the far end of the building, surrounded by minor ballrooms and armories, as well as the stairs to the royal treasury. In front of the building stands an equestrian statue of the current monarch Frederik VI, which was unveiled in 2015. A monumental water fountain is also placed in front of the building, forming a line with the gate of the Riddersal and the statue, with the statue in the middle.

The Grand Courtyard which forms around the riddersal is meticulously paved with cobblestone and serve as the primary interconnector of the complex. The courtyard is also connects to the Royal Stables, which are located at the southwestern end by the gate, as well as the barracks of the Royal Guard and the Black Guard. The Northern end of the courtyard transforms into the royal garden.

The courtyard is normally open to the public, and is often used for public celebrations (Tynic: Folkefest) of the monarchy. Moreover it serves as the arriving point of foreign dignitaries coming to an audience and invited guests for the annual New Years Celebration in which the Golden Coaches are used.

Northern Wing

The northern wing of the palace contains 3 of the 9 buildings the make up the complex and is the principle location of the state apartments. The Archkings personal bedroom as well as the Queens and princes bedrooms are all located in the middle building, which is their private closed off residence. It moreover contains the Royal Drawing Room. The right building is the recreational area of the palace, containing the majority of the living rooms, tv-rooms and other rooms for entertainment. The Lille Balsal (Little ballroom) is also located here and is where the monarch holds minor dinners with closer acquaintances and guests. The small tower at the edge of the building contains the Royal Study as well as the monarchs Office. The basement of the building contains the monarchs personal armory and storage. The interior of the buidlings are in primary roccoco and neo-classical styles and contain a wide collection of Sjealandian and international art, one of Nordanias largest collection of baroque statues are found there.¨

The left building is the site of the chambers of the sjealandian crown council, which resides on the 2nd floor. The bottom floor is entirely made up of the entry-hall to the residential site of the palace and contains the royal dressing room, as well as proper changing rooms, 1 guard station and a magnificent marble staircase built in 1674 by Vjaarlandian architect Vilmuth Mølsen. The top floor is reportedly the heart of the web of security surrounding the palace, and plays host to the central command of the unified royal guard.

Southwestern Wing

The southwestern wing, consists of one building, and is the principal residence and workplace of the staff and workmen of the palace. The bottom floor is almost entirely made up of the Royal Stables and Garage, the homeplace of the royal family's personal horses, carriages and vehicles, among which are a Rolls-Royce Phantom III and the famous Gold State Coach. The westernmost part of the bottom, floor and up is instead devoted to offices, primarily used by economists and planners employed by the royal family. The rest of the building is divided into rooms towards the south with kitchens and storage-rooms towards the north.

Southeastern wing

The southeastern wing is the newest addition to the palace, being finished in 1938 as part of an allowed expansion of the royal palace following the fire of 1927. A small extra wing was added to serve as the connector between it and the northern wing, it now serves as the seat of the Royal Family's private collection of treasures, artifacts and historical items. The southeastern wing itself is almost purely recreational, with sports courts, an arena for dueling, swimming pools and a luxurious cinema being built by the request of Archking Frederik V. However it also lays host to the rooms commonly used by several of the of the royal chivalric orders, most importantly the Knight Companions.

Nylaans Hus

Nylaans Hus was its own building before the fire of 1927, but with the expansion it was included into the main part of the palace itself. It has always served as the In-state apartments of the Ceremonial Master, Court Chamberlain and other officers of the court, as well as offering temporary lodgings for visiting foreign dignitaries.

Eastern Barracks

The eastern barracks face out from the main gate to the palace, and the bridge of dragons. Built like a fortress it is the principal barracks of the Inner Companies of the Royal Guard, The Royal and Black Guards. It is also the host of their armory, which is operated and guarded all day. The barracks serve as command center for the military defence of the palace, with direct communications to multiple anti-air sites, hidden around the palace isle.