Unique Architecture of Stockholm Old Town

Discovering the construction period of the old town buildings

On my first day in Gamla Stan, I casually strolled through the narrow streets and alleyways, wondering how I should go about exploring this captivating hamlet. Later that evening, at the hostel, while browsing through the books laid out on the coffee table at the reception, I got my hands on Hudak's guidebook. I devoured it at one go. The following morning brought with it a newfound sense of direction, allowing me to navigate the cobblestone pathways with purpose. As the day progressed, I gained a richer appreciation for the age-old architecture that graced Gamla Stan. Every edifice in Gamla Stan has a story to tell, which is narrated through its distinct features. These features eloquently communicate its history. By merely observing a building from a distance, one can easily discern the era of its construction. The answer lies within the ornate iron fixtures adorning the houses—these iron mounts serve as anchor ends that were embedded in the beams during the building's construction, each adorned with a specific pattern. These patterns are key to recognising the era that the building belongs to. For instance, a torch shape signifies construction in the 1500s, while an X shape denotes the 1700s, and a gracefully curving single-loop bow-shaped mount denotes a structure from the 1800s. There are other unique shapes to consider—two opposing lowercase c's denote a structure from the Middle Ages, while two palmier-shaped iron designs positioned against each other, with a three-leaved stem in between, denotes a building from the 1600s.

Cobbled streets, cafes and my first Fika

The next two days were spent intricately exploring Gamla Stan's architecture. Guided by the insights from the guidebook, I was able to discern the precise stone statues positioned above doorways, admire the artistry of the sculpted fountains, and meander through the leanest alley of Marten Trotzig Grand. Not to mention, I recognised the two iconic red and orange structures gracing Stortorget—the bustling public square. Although they were created two centuries apart, both buildings stand side-by-side, bearing witness to the magical Christmas that graces the square annually. Influenced by the Hanseatic League, I couldn't help but notice another distinct characteristic shared by the majority of the buildings—they featured ground-floor cafes paired with residential homes above. As I strolled along, a delightful aromatic medley of freshly-baked bread and coffee wafted through the air. The amalgamation of these alluring scents promptly ignited my hunger. Since my interest in architecture was equally compelling, I decided to indulge myself with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a slice of Swedish cake at Chokoladkoppen—the charming café nestled within the vibrant orange building.

The cozy coffee shop was adorned with semi-circular seating along the wall, complemented by tables and chairs positioned opposite it. Sitting next to the wall required some maneuvering on the part of other patrons, especially if you are seated in the centre. However, it made for an interesting arrangement that was perfectly suited for "Fika", the Swedish tradition of socialising over coffee. Surprisingly, no one seemed to mind facilitating fellow guests who wished to exit. Capitalising on this convivial atmosphere, I initiated a conversation with a young lady seated in a corner, who was engrossed in capturing the essence of the square's buildings with her paintbrush. Cordial and approachable, she revealed herself to be a student of architecture—a serendipitous encounter, I thought. With eagerness, I ventured into my quelling my curiosity about the architectural style that graced Gamla Stan.

The framework of a typical building in Gamla Stan

She delved into the historical tapestry of how Stockholm's prosperity burgeoned upon this very island within the archipelago, fostering a haven for numerous traders and merchants. The distinctive architecture of the buildings told a story—a shop occupied the ground floor, followed by storage on the first floor, and a residence on the second floor. This fundamental blueprint served as the cornerstone for most structures within Gamla Stan. Consequently, it became clear why cafes and restaurants across the old town predominantly occupied the ground floor. The upper levels sheltered homes—a portion remained under the ownership of original families, while others transformed into hostels or hotels. Expressing my gratitude, I left her to her painting and ventured forth to uncover more facets of the city.

Upon closer examination, I observed that certain buildings underwent a complete renovation, transforming into expansive residences while meticulously preserving their original facades. I continued to walk through the streets, fully engaged in my surroundings. I shot a lot of photographs of weathered doors while contemplating the myriad stories they must have silently witnessed. Perhaps a mother bid a tearful farewell to her son heading to battle, or two lovers embarked on their joyous journey into a shared dream home. My enduring fascination with ancient heritage structures stems from their remarkable ability to endure as living time capsules, encapsulating the spectrum of humanity's past experiences—both joyous and poignant. The hours spent uncovering these revelations within Gamla Stan proved profoundly fulfilling.