It may not be particularly large, but it is all the more steeped in history - Stortorget, Stockholm's former market square in the colorful Gamla Stan. Even without knowing about the events that took place here a long time ago, you can sense that this square is something special. The beautiful facades and gables of the buildings on the west side of Stortorget, as well as the cozy cafés on the ground floor of the houses, suggest that the square had an almost idyllic past. But appearances are deceptive. What is probably the most frequently photographed city motif today was the scene of a gruesome bloodbath towards the end of 1520. When the Danish King Christian "Tyrant" II ordered the execution of over 80 members of Stockholm's upper society, the condemned were literally beheaded on this square. The legendary Stockholm bloodbath colored the floor of Stortorget blood red and brought the king a "success" that lasted only a few years. It can't be a coincidence that exactly 82 white stones were embedded in the house at Stortorget 20.
An equally dominant and important building is the former stock exchange, which was inaugurated by King Gustav III at the end of the 18th century. For many years, both the stock exchange and the Swedish Academy were housed under the roof of this building. Since 2001, the Nobel Museum has been located in this building, which is quite interesting, but with its promising name promises more than the exhibits on display can deliver. The wall of the house on the corner of Prästgatan and Kakbrinken is worth seeing. In the 11th century, a rune stone was walled into this wall, but its function can no longer be determined. All in all, Stortorget is a picturesque jewel of the Swedish metropolis, and one should be willing to allow oneself to be enchanted by its medieval charm.
Even in the early Middle Ages, the people of Stockholm used this place as a market, even the pillory stood on it at that time. 1520 took place here the so-called Stockholm blood bath. The Danish King Kristian II, who wanted to force Sweden under his crown, was executed on the square 94 political opponents. The beautiful merchant houses on the square have a medieval character, but were rebuilt several times. Its red-yellow stone facades date back to the 17th century and in 1625 replaced the original wooden houses after a fire. Many still have medieval vaulted cellars that now house cafes and restaurants. In the house of the stock exchange (1778) meets regularly the Swedish academy, which appoints the Nobel laureate of literature.