Fredensborg Palace was built in the 1720s by King Frederik IV. The name means "peace castle" in commemoration of the end of the Great Nordic War in 1720. There were additions and changes in the course of the 18th century.
The main building consisted originally only of the central portion of nine bays, and in one and a half floors only, with the square domed, copper-clad central section rising above. The architect was Johan Cornelius Krieger, inspired by Italian Baroque. The octagonal courtyard consisted of single-storey wings and an entrance portal opposite the palace (since removed).
In 1741-44 the palace was raised by Lauritz de Thurah to two full storeys with a sandstone balustrade. Around 1750 Nicolai Eigtved added the four corner-pavilions with copper roofs. Seen from the front or the back, it looks as if there is only one pavilion at either end, extending the length of the building. The front pavilions obscure the rear pavilions, as becomes clear in the last picture in the row below.
De Thurah added the tall chimneys at the corners of the central dome.
In 1774-76 the wings surrounding the courtyard were raised to two storeys by C.F. Harsdorff. He removed the entrance portal and built the present pavilions that flank the entrance to the courtyard. Triangular pediments with mutule decoration.

Just east of the palace is the Late Baroque church with its wings. This was built in the 1720s shortly after the palace, but without its present physical connection to the palace. White-washed walls, roof of glazed black tiles, large square copper spire with onion dome. Tall windows, pilasters and pediment with a bust of Frederik IV by Didrik Gercken. The wings were heightened around 1760.

The garden side of the palace. The first picture shows the connection of the palace to the church wing inserted by Laurids de Thurah in the 1750s.

The avenue Brede Allé with the view towards Esrum Lake. One of five straight avenues spreading out though the Baroque park from the palace.
The next picture is the Marble Garden in formal French Baroque style just west of the palace. The red building is a domestic wing dating from the original building period in the 1720s.