Stortorget: Where Beauty Meets History in the Heart of Stockholm

Good morning or whatever time of day is it where you are! It's Day 13 of the UBC, and If I had known during our visit to Stockholm that I’d end up writing 31 blog posts about the trip, I would have taken more photos and probably visited a few more classic sights! 

Still, there’s one spot that absolutely no visitor can miss: Stortorget.

This beautiful square isn’t just Stockholm’s oldest, dating back to at least the early 1400s, it’s also, arguably, its most charming. Located in the heart of Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town, Stortorget literally means “the big square” in Swedish:

• Stor = big / large

• Torget = the square (from torg, meaning market square, with the definite article -et)

Surrounded by colorful, historic buildings, Stortorget is a magnet for photographers, sightseers, and anyone who enjoys soaking up atmosphere. It’s home to the Nobel Prize Museum, the cozy café Chokladkoppen, and the popular Grillska Huset bakery. The bright facades lining the west side, especially the red building at number 82, known as Ribbinska Huset, are some of the most iconic in all of Stockholm.

Look closely at that red house, and you’ll notice 82 white stones embedded in the wall. Legend has it they represent the 82 victims of the Stockholm Bloodbath, one of the square’s darkest historical episodes.

In 1520, shortly after his coronation, Danish King Christian II ordered the execution of nearly 100 Swedish nobles and citizens here in Stortorget, accusing them of heresy. His goal was to crush opposition and secure control over Sweden, but the brutality backfired. Outrage over the massacre sparked a rebellion, led by Gustav Vasa, who eventually overthrew Danish rule and became king in 1523. Today, he is remembered as the founder of modern Sweden.

The buildings around Stortorget, with their varied styles and colors, are more than picturesque,  they’re silent witnesses to centuries of architectural evolution and national transformation.

At the square’s center stands the Stortorget fountain, designed in 1778 by Erik Palmstedt. Originally a water source for the city, it now serves as a popular meeting point and photo op, inviting both locals and tourists to pause and enjoy the historic setting.

Photo by Pham Ngoc Anh on Pexels

Not far from Stortorget you will find these guys. It's a sculpture called "Duo" by Thomas Qvasresbo. Apparently citizens like to be playful with this duo. In winter they wrap scarves around their necks and make them wear warm hats. During the pandemic the Duo could not get past the face mask requirement. 

Whether you're exploring Gamla Stan for the first time or returning for fika with a view, Stortorget is a place where Swedish culture, beauty, and history all converge.

Have you ever visited a historic square that surprised you with a dramatic story behind its beauty? I'd love to hear about it!