Stockholm

Stockholm

Stockholm has a rich and unique history. By most historical accounts, Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, was founded in the 13th century by Birger Jarl. With origins as a leading trade post because of its strategic location, Stockholm's name derives from the words "stock" (log) and "holm" (islet) in acknowledgement of the city's distinctive bridges and waterways. 

Beginnings

Stockholm's architectural history had its beginnings in the mid-13th century with the construction of the fortress in Gamla stan, Stockholm's  Old Town. Throughout the 13th century and beyond, old Stockholm, located on Helgeandsholmen, continued to thrive. Stockholm's oldest building, Riddarholmsskyrkan, was built during this period of extraordinary growth and remains a breathtaking historical landmark alongside many of Stockholm's celebrated buildings, including Storkyrkan and Stockholm City Museum. The city's development was strongly influenced by Germany for several decades as part of the neighboring country's Hansa trade association. Many of the city's inhabitants were also of German descent.