Stockholm is the largest city, capital of Sweden and its cultural center. Located in the southern part of the country on the islands between Lake Melara and the Baltic Sea. Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia famous for its charming Old Center (Gamla Stan) with medieval houses, modern innovative architecture, many magnificent museums and green parks. It is one of the most comfortable cities in Europe with a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Stockholm
History
In the 12th century, a small fishing village was located on the site of the future capital of Sweden. In 1187 the first fortifications and structures of the new city began to be erected on Stadsholmen Island. It is believed that Stockholm was founded by Jarl Birger in 1252. Due to its favorable strategic position the city quickly gained important commercial importance.
At the end of the 15th century in Stolen Sturre rebelled against the Danes. In 1520 all the rebels were executed. By the 17th century Stockholm had become one of Sweden's most important and largest cities. In 1634 it became the capital of the Swedish Kingdom.
After the defeat in the Northern War the value of Stockholm falls. A new round of growth and development for the Swedish capital came at the end of the 19th century when the development of industry turned it into a major trading center. Stockholm is now one of Scandinavia's most important cities, a center for science and culture.
Attractions
Gamla Stan is an old city that is one of the largest well-preserved medieval city centers in Europe and one of Stockholm's main attractions. It is the oldest town in the city founded in 1252. Gamla Stan is a maze of atmospheric cobbled streets and ancient North German architecture.
n the center of Gamla Stan is Stortorget Square which is Stockholm's oldest square and is surrounded by beautiful old merchant houses. This is where Köpmangatan Street the oldest street in Sweden mentioned in the 14th century begins. But Stortorget also remembers the tragic events. In 1520 executives of the uprising against the Danes who are considered heroes of the Swedish people were executed here.
The Royal Palace is one of Gamla Stan's main attractions and one of the largest palaces in Europe. It is the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family (though used only for ceremonies) and contains over 600 rooms. The palace was built in the 18th century in the style of Italian Baroque on the site of the castle burned down in 1697.
Church of St. Nicholas is considered the oldest religious building in Gamla Stan and is informally referred to as Stockholm Cathedral. The church was founded in the 13th century and is an important example of Scandinavian brick gothic. The residence of the Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm is also located here. The church is located near the royal palace so throughout history there have been important state events: coronations, royal weddings and funerals.
The German Church (St. Gertrude Church) is located in Gamla Stan in an area where a large German community lived in the Middle Ages. The present building was built in the 17th century in the style of the Gothic Renaissance and Baroque on the site of a small medieval chapel. The tall 96-meter tower with a beautiful spire was completed in 1878.
The Riddarholmen Church is one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm located on the island of the same name near the royal palace. This beautiful Gothic church was founded in the 13th century and has been the burial place of Swedish kings for almost four centuries.
Church of St. Oscar is one of Stockholm's largest religious buildings located in the southeastern part of Ostermalm. The church was built in the early 20th century in the late Gothic style.
Church of St. John is a large late Gothic brick church built in the late 19th century. Located in the county of Normalm.
Drottningholm is the summer residence of the Swedish Royal Family a magnificent 17th century palace with a park included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Constructions in the manner of Versailles.
The City Hall is one of Stockholm's most famous buildings completed in 1923. About 8 million bricks were used to build the town hall. The building is famous for the Blue Hall which houses Scandinavia's largest organ and the Golden Hall with 18 million mosaic tiles depicting Swedish history. The Nobel Prize is also awarded here.
Skansen is the oldest open-air museum in the world, representing historic Sweden in miniature. These are more than 150 buildings - houses, churches, schools, shops and workshops that "tell" about life and life in the country in the Middle Ages.
The Vas Museum is one of the most famous museums in Stockholm where the main exhibit is a true 17th-century warship. Vasa was one of the most powerful ships of the time and proud of the Swedish fleet. He sank during his first voyage 30 minutes after the solemn departure. The ship lay at the bottom of 300 years and was raised in the mid-20th century.
Ostermalm is an exclusive area of the city with luxury shops, chic restaurants and antique shops.
Stockholm's public transport is represented by subways, suburban trains, buses, high-speed trams and ferries. All of them use a single ticket which can be purchased in advance at the SL centers, Pressbyrån kiosks or tourist information offices.
Stockholm is often called "Venice of the North" and this is not surprising. The inner city is located on 14 islands connected by many bridges. Stockholm was not affected by the World Wars and strong military conflicts so the historic center has remained in excellent condition. The architecture of the old town is quite diverse and contains buildings of all ages dating from the 13th century. Interestingly 30% of Stockholm's territory is covered by waterways and another 30% by parks and other green spaces.
Stockholm is located in the south-east of Sweden on the straits connecting the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren. The climate is temperate marine, which is significantly affected by warm Gulf Stream. Stockholm's summers are cool with an average temperature of around 20°C. Winter is characterized by light frosts and frequent thaws.
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