From the 15th century until 1658, Glorup belonged to the Valkendorfs. Several generations played leading roles in the political life of their time. Christian Valkendorf, for instance, was a king’s minister. He was treasurer to King Frederik II and later Steward of the Realm to King Christian IV.
At the end of the 16th century he built ‘The New Glorup’ – a four-wing Renaissance farm, with four equally-sized wings and four towers. Between 1743 and 1744, Chr. Ludvig Scheel subjected the manor to extensive refurbishment. The towers and one floor disappeared. And a massive mansard roof was installed on top of all four wings. After just 21 years, there was a new owner and yet more changes. The family who still own the estate acquired it in 1762. Count Adam Gottlob Moltke commissioned N.H. Jardin, the leading architect of the day, to modernise the property. The result was one of the finest Baroque manors in Denmark, featuring a new colour scheme, an extra floor on the west façade of the inner courtyard and a new superstructure on the main gate etc. The garden was also given a makeover, becoming one of the first Romantic gardens in Denmark.
The great Danish fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen often visited Glorup, and wrote in a letter: “This is exactly the kind of place I love to stay in – a manor house in the Italian style and a garden like the parks of England.”
The garden is open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday between 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, from 1 April to 31 September.
PLEASE NOTE: Please bear in mind that you are visiting a private garden. The manor is the family’s home. So, please respect the signs, keep to the designated paths and keep your distance from the actual manor house.
