Stortorget
– History and Architecture in Gamla Stan’s Central Square

Stortorget in Gamla Stan, view towards the west. The square is Stockholm's oldest. Photo: Øyvind Holmstad (CC BY-SA 3.0)

💡 Summary
Discover the charm of Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest square nestled in the heart of the historic Old Town. Explore its colorful merchant houses, iconic landmarks, and its rich history marked by pivotal events. Find out why this square is more than just a tourist spot.

Stortorget: The heart of Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Stortorget—meaning “The Great Square”—is the oldest public square in Stockholm and arguably its most beautiful. Situated in the very heart of Gamla Stan, the city’s historic old town, this storied square dates back to the 13th century. With its cobbled streets and colorful facades, it remains one of the most iconic and photographed destinations in Sweden’s capital.

Once the scene of power struggles, trade, and dramatic events that shaped Sweden’s history, today Stortorget is a lively gathering spot where visitors can soak up centuries of culture in a single square.

❄️ Did You Know?
Every December, Stortorget transforms into one of Stockholm’s most magical Christmas markets.

The square fills with twinkling lights, stalls selling handmade crafts, spiced glögg, and Swedish gingerbread cookies.

It’s one of the oldest holiday markets in Sweden, a tradition that continues to draw visitors from all over the world.

Stortorget: A rich historical tapestry

Originally developed as a central marketplace, Stortorget quickly became the epicenter of social and commercial life in medieval Stockholm. Over the centuries, it hosted everything from royal proclamations and public celebrations to somber political reckonings. Notably, it was also home to Sweden’s first pharmacy, which opened in 1575.

Christmas market at Stortorget in Gamla Stan, Stockholm. Photo: Simo Räsänen (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Stortorget square in the Gamla Stan district of Stockholm, the ground covered in snow, at dusk. Photo: Pierre Goiffon (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Stockholm Bloodbath

One of the most dramatic chapters in Stortorget’s history was the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520. Between November 7 and 9, shortly after Danish King Christian II was crowned King of Sweden, the square became the site of mass executions.

Up to 100 Swedish nobles and clergymen were put to death, accused of treason and heresy. The massacre, orchestrated by Christian II and heavily influenced by Archbishop Gustav Trolle, marked a turning point in Scandinavian history. It triggered the fall of the Kalmar Union and paved the way for the rise of the Vasa dynasty—shaping Sweden’s future as an independent nation.

Engraving of the Bloodbath painting in uncolored print. Stockholm is shown facing west with present-day Södermalm on the left and present-day Norrmalm on the right.

Architectural highlights

Stortorget is surrounded by striking architecture that reflects its centuries-old significance. Notable buildings include:

Börshuset: Once home to the Stockholm Stock Exchange, this neoclassical structure now houses the Nobel Museum, honoring the world’s most prestigious award. Commissioned by King Gustav III, it was completed in 1788.
Stortorgsbrunnen: The central well, designed by architect Erik Palmstedt in 1778, served as Stockholm’s distance marker. It remains a visual centerpiece of the square.
Colorful Facades: The west side of the square is especially photogenic, with narrow, gabled buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries in vivid hues of red, yellow, and green. These facades are among the most photographed spots in all of Stockholm.

Börshuset at Stortorget in Stockholm, which today houses the Nobel Prize Museum. Photo: Leonhard Lenz (CC0)

Stortorgsbrunnen in Gamla Stan, built in 1778 by architect Erik Palmstedt. Photo: Jorge Láscar (CC BY 2.0)

Modern-day Stortorget

Today, Stortorget is a vibrant hub of culture and tourism. Charming cafés like Chokladkoppen serve Swedish pastries and coffee in cozy settings, while Pharmarium offers a creative cocktail experience inspired by the square’s apothecary past.

Each winter, Stortorget transforms into a festive destination with its traditional Christmas market, featuring handcrafted goods, glögg (mulled wine), and seasonal treats. In summer, the square buzzes with outdoor seating, street performers, and guided tours, making it just as lively under the sun as it is in the snow.

Whether on a guided tour or a solo stroll, exploring Gamla Stan’s winding alleys and historic buildings is a sensory journey into Stockholm’s layered past.

🏅 Did You Know?

The elegant Börshuset on Stortorget once housed the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Today, it is home to the Nobel Prize Museum, where you can explore exhibits about Nobel laureates and their groundbreaking achievements. From Albert Einstein to Malala Yousafzai, the stories here connect this historic square to the world’s most prestigious award.

Conclusion

Stortorget is more than a picturesque square—it’s a timeless stage where the drama, innovation, and traditions of Sweden have unfolded for centuries. From political upheaval to peaceful people-watching, it continues to captivate visitors with its blend of history, architecture, and local charm.

Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate on a crisp winter day or capturing the vibrant facades on a summer afternoon, Stortorget offers a truly unforgettable Stockholm experience.

🏘️ Stortorget—The Heartbeat of Old Stockholm
Nestled in the center of Gamla Stan, Stortorget is Stockholm’s oldest public square and a living snapshot of the city’s medieval soul. Framed by colorful gabled buildings and cobbled streets, it has witnessed centuries of trade, triumph, and tragedy—including the infamous Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520. Today, it’s a postcard-perfect gathering place, home to cozy cafés, the Nobel Prize Museum, and a beloved Christmas market. Every stone whispers stories of Stockholm’s past.

Nearby attractions

Exploring Stortorget also places you within walking distance of some of Stockholm’s most famous landmarks:

👑 Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet): One of Europe’s largest palaces and the official residence of the Swedish monarch.
⛪ Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan): The city’s oldest church, home to the famous St. George and the Dragon sculpture.
🏅 Nobel Museum: Located in Börshuset, right on Stortorget, showcasing the history of the Nobel Prize and its laureates.
🌆 Mårten Trotzigs Gränd: The narrowest alley in Stockholm, just 90 cm wide, offering a unique medieval atmosphere.
⚰️ Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan): Final resting place of many Swedish monarchs, located a short walk across the bridge.

Visit Info

Stortorget, Gamla Stan

Address

Stortorget

Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Getting there

Gamla Stan (Red and Green Lines)

Buses 2, 3, 53 (stop at Slottsbacken or Munkbroleden)

Fully pedestrianized area; easily accessible by foot.

Bike racks at Prästgatan and Köpmangatan.

Limited street parking; nearest garage at Slottsbacken.

Other Info

Stortorget is Stockholm’s oldest and most iconic square, dating back to the 13th century. Once the bustling hub of trade and civic life, it witnessed pivotal events such as the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520, which shaped the nation’s history. Surrounded by pastel-hued 17th- and 18th-century merchant houses, it reflects the charm of Gamla Stan’s medieval streets. Today, visitors can explore landmarks like Börshuset—home of the Nobel Museum—or enjoy cozy cafés that line the square. Every December, Stortorget transforms into a festive Christmas market, bringing together history, culture, and tradition in a setting that captures the essence of Stockholm’s old town.