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Rådhuspladsen

Rådhuspladsen is one of the most important public spaces in present-day Copenhagen. Here, the triumphs of the national sports teams are celebrated, just as the 2009 Climate Summit reached out to the national population from this very spot.  Rådhuspladsen is also the busiest square in Denmark from a traffic viewpoint, and yet the traces of an entirely different Copenhagen are hidden under its paving. At present, archaeologists are bringing the old narratives to light.

Rådhuspladen in former times

Up until the 19th century the area surrounding Rådhuspladsen comprised the town's most westerly point. Copenhagen's early fortifications and moat were located on this site, along with the town's western gate - Vesterport. With the Cityring Metro excavations, the Museum of Copenhagen now has a chance to unearth new information regarding this neighbourhood. Key questions to be answered are: how did Copenhagen develop up through the Middle Ages? What may the fortifications once surrounding this area have looked like?

Beyond the ramparts

The archaeologists aim to examine the subsoil in the western section of former Copenhagen, which was surrounded by these ramparts. They intend to examine former buildings, streets, town-wall and fortifications. They also intend to excavate a large area situated outside the former fortified town. The archaeologists will possibly be able to link the findings unearthed at this location with those unearthed by the other excavations - particularly those taking place at Kongens Nytorv and Gammel Strand.