Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen

Built by the Russian government, Alexander Nevsky Church holds the distinction of being the only one of its kind in Copenhagen. This Russian Orthodox Church was constructed between 1881 and 1883 to commemorate the wedding of Alexander Alexandrovich and Princess Dagmar of Denmark and is dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, the Russian patron saint.

The church was designed by David Ivanovich Grimm, the Russian architect, and was funded by Tsar Alexander III. David Ivanovich, a professor at Saint Petersburg-based Imperial Academy of Arts, was one of the winners in an architectural competition. His design was executed by Albert Nielsen, the Danish architect, and was supervised by Ferdinand Meldahl.

The Church was consecrated by the Chancellor of the Theological Academy in Saint Petersburg, Provost Janysev in 1883. He was assisted by a monk from Saint Petersburg Alexander Nevsky Lavra and by the priest of the congregation. The ceremony was attended by Greek, Russian, and Danish royal families.

From the outside, you will find this impressive church designed in 17th-century Muscovite architectural style. You will find three prominent onion domes dominating the building. These street-facing domes are on top of the gable.

Highlights of the grey and red brick facade are the ornamentations in sandstone. Do not miss out on the patron saint Alexander Nevsky’s statue above the bells standing high on the facade.