Assistens Kirkegård (Copenhagen)
written by eggzakly
on March 1st, 2009
, 6 comments
(3 votes)
Assistens has been Copenhagen’s cemetery for artistic and pioneering personalities since it was founded in 1760. Painters, poets, writers and scientists have their final resting place here, among them are Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard and scientists HC Ørsted (discovered electromagnetism) and Niels Bohr (a founding father of quantum physics). More recently, young reggae/dancehall artist Natsja Saad was buried in the new section following her tragic death in 2007, shortly after winning the Irie FM Big Break Contest in Jamaica.
The great number of creative minds buried in the cemetery is reflected in the eclectic mix of tombstones. They range from the beautiful and interesting to the extremely gaudy, and make great subjects for most lomographers.
The city of Copenhagen is planning to turn sections of the old cemetery into a conventional park, which is currently a subject of much debate.
Practical information:
The entrance to the cemetery is on Kapelvej 4 and easily reached by bus 5A from Nørreport Station.
Opening hours:
1. November-28. February: 8.00-16.00
1. March-30. April: 8.00-18.00
1. May-31. August: 8.00-20.00
Tours in English are available for groups only. Be aware that picnics and such are only allowed in the old section of the cemetery, out of respect for the mourners in the new section.
Links:
http://www.assistens.dk/ (mostly in Danish)
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