Lilla Torg
Skåne län
Lilla Torg, located in the heart of Malmö's Gamla Staden (Old Town), is a lively square famous for its vibrant atmosphere and historic charm. Established in the 1590s after land reclamation, it originally served as an extension of Stortorget and was a bustling marketplace where local residents bought daily goods from meat vendors, bakers, fishmongers, and grocers. Over the centuries, the small stalls were replaced by permanent buildings, including notable half-timbered houses like Hedmanska gården from the 1590s and Ekströmska huset from the 1720s. In the early 20th century, a Gothic Revival style market hall was built, covering the entire square, but it was demolished in 1968 to restore the square's open character. Today, Lilla Torg is surrounded by restaurants with busy outdoor terraces during summer and features a fountain designed by Thure Thörn in 1973, which displays reliefs symbolizing the square's historic trades. The square blends history, architecture, and lively social life, making it a unique cultural landmark in Malmö.
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Tip: The best time to visit Lilla Torg is during the summer months when the outdoor terraces are bustling with activity. It is advisable to explore the square in the evening to enjoy its vibrant dining scene. While there is no ticket required to visit, booking a table in advance at popular restaurants is recommended during peak seasons. The square is pedestrian-friendly and easily accessible from central Malmö, making it ideal for casual strolls and social gatherings.
Interesting facts
- •In 2021, Lilla Torg was voted Sweden's most beautiful square in an online poll organized by the Architectural Rebellion association, receiving 1,611 votes.
- •The square features a fountain designed by artist Thure Thörn in 1973, whose reliefs depict symbols of the four traditional trades that once operated there: meat vendors, bakers, fishmongers, and grocers.
- •The brick building in the northwest corner of the square, originally built as a factory in the 19th century and later used as a market hall, is now a 5-star hotel.
History
Lilla Torg was created in the 1590s as an extension of Malmö's main square, Stortorget, after filling in a previously low-lying wasteland.
It quickly became a central marketplace where citizens purchased daily necessities from various traders.
In the 18th century, temporary stalls were replaced by permanent buildings, and by the early 1900s, a large market hall was constructed in a Gothic Revival style.
This hall was demolished in 1968 as part of a cultural environment project to restore the square to its original open layout.
Over time, street names around the square were changed or removed, consolidating the area under the name Lilla Torg.
Place Guide
Hedmanska gården (The Hedman Estate)1590s
A historic half-timbered house dating back to the 1590s, located south of the square. It houses the Form/Design Center, featuring a gallery and exhibitions showcasing design and art.
Ekströmska huset1720s
A half-timbered corner house on the western side of the square built in the 1720s, notable for its preserved historic architecture.
Lilla Torg Fountain1973
A fountain created by artist Thure Thörn in 1973, featuring reliefs that symbolize the four old trades of the square: meat vendors, bakers, fishmongers, and grocers.
Former Market Hall Site1902–1903 (built), 1968 (demolished)
The location where a Gothic Revival style market hall stood from 1902 until its demolition in 1968, which once covered the entire square.
