the combined Nytorv-og-Gammeltorv, where is the old
townhall (_Raadhus_, 1815), and continues as the Norregade to the Vor
Frue Kirke (Church of our Lady), the cathedral church of Copenhagen.
This church, the site of which has been similarly occupied since the
12th century, was almost entirely destroyed in the bombardment of 1807,
but was completely restored in 1811-1829. The works of Thorvaldsen which
it contains constitute its chief attraction. In the pediment is a group
of sixteen figures by Thorvaldsen, representing John the Baptist
preaching in the wilderness; over the entrance within the portico is a
bas-relief of Christ's entry into Jerusalem; on one side of the entrance
is a statue of Moses by Bissen, and on the other a statue of David by
Jerichau. In a niche behind the altar stands a colossal marble statue of
Christ, and marble statues of the twelve apostles adorn both sides of
the church.

Immediately north of Vor Frue Kirke is the university, founded by
Christian I. in 1479; though its existing constitution dates from 1788.
The building dates from 1836. There are five faculties--theological,
juridical, medical, philosophical and mathematical. In 1851 an English
and in 1852 an Anglo-Saxon lectureship were established. All the
professors are bound to give a series of lectures open to the public
free of charge. The university possesses considerable endowments and has
several foundations for the assistance of poor students; the "regent's
charity," for instance, founded by Christian, affords free residence and
a small allowance to one hundred bursars. There are about 2000 students.
In connexion with the university are the observatory, the chemical
laboratory in Ny Vester Gade, the surgical academy in Bredgade, founded
in 1786, and the botanic garden. The university library, incorporated
with the former Classen library, collected by the famous merchants of
that name, contains about 200,000 volumes, besides about 4000
manuscripts, which include Rask's valuable Oriental collection and the
Arne-Magnean series of Scandinavian documents. It shares with the royal
library the right of receiving a copy of every book published in
Denmark. There is also a zoological museum. Adjacent is St Peter's
church, built in a quasi-Gothic style, with a spire 256 ft. high, and
appropriated since 1585 as a parish church for the German residents in
Copenhagen. A short distance along the Krystalgade is Trinity church.
Its round tower is 111