Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary attend a ballet performance

Yesterday: Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary attend a ballet performance at Gavnø Palace. Gavnø is now associated mainly with Gavnø Castle, an impressive Rococo manor house with an attractive park. The park surrounding the estate is known for its rare trees, rose garden and, above all, its extensive display of bulbs.

The first historical mention of Gavnø is in King Valdemar's census book from 1231. The main building was built in 1402-1408, expanded in 1584-1663-1682 and remodeled to the current Rococo manor in 1755-1758. The manor house was apparently built to defend Denmark's western coasts.

In the 15th century, Queen Margaret I opened St Agnes' Priory there, catering for nuns from aristocratic families. The chapel can still be seen in the castle's southern wing although it has since been extended.