The Amalienborg palace was adopted by the Danish royal family after their previous residence was destroyed by fire in the late eighteenth century. It was originally conceived as four extremely large noblemen’s houses. These houses surround a central cobbled square which cars can drive through from four directions. Amalienborg’s relaxed atmosphere is unique among European royal palaces; while the guards always keep a close eye on you, it is perfectly possible to lean against the walls. The guard is changed at noon each day, a popular spectacle. The guard march through the streets, immediately before this, accompanied by music.
