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Founded: 1756-1757Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Denmark
Historical period: Absolutism (Denmark)
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Sorgenfri Palace was built by the architect Francois Dieussart in 1705-06 for Carl Count Ahlefeldt. From 1730, this country house was owned by the royal family, and Crown Prince Frederik (V) had court architect Lauritz de Thurah build a wing for the gentlemen of the Court and a horse stable. When Frederik V became king, the palace was given to his aunt, grand duchess Sophie Caroline of East Friesland, who let de Thurah demolish the main building in 1756-57 and build a new palace. From 1791-94, the heir apparent, Frederik (VI), expanded and modernised the palace.
Frederik VII later transferred the palace to the state. In 1898, the state placed the palace at the disposal of Crown Prince Christian (X) after modern conveniences and a glassed veranda were installed. Sorgenfri Palace was Christian X and Queen Alexandrine’s preferred summer residence, and both Frederik IX and the heir presumptive, Prince Knud, were born there. Prince Knud and his wife, Princess Caroline-Mathilde, lived in the Palace until their deaths in 1976 and 1995, respectively. Sorgenfri Palace is not open to the public, but part of the park is accessible to the public.
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.