Stora Torget, Uppsala
Uppsala län
Stora Torget is a central square located in Uppsala, Sweden, just east of the Fyris River. Despite its name, it is not the largest square in Uppsala but is historically significant for its rare enclosed-corner layout, a design style common in the 1600s but now only preserved here and in Piteå. Established as the city's main square in 1643, it replaced the smaller medieval Gamla Torget. The square is surrounded by several historic buildings, including the Uppsala City Hall, redesigned by Herman Holmgren in 1883 and now housing a fashion department store. The Åhlénshuset building, originally constructed in the 1960s with a distinctive perforated concrete facade by architect Bengt Edlund, underwent a major renovation in 2015, receiving a modern glass and stainless steel panel facade designed by Tham & Videgård Architects. The western side of the square features preserved turn-of-the-century buildings in neo-baroque style, such as the Strandbergska house and two bank palaces, notable for architectural and historical value including the first electric elevator in Uppsala. The Skandia building, designed by Sven Ivar Lind, represents non-brutalist 1960s architecture. The square remains a vibrant urban space with commercial shops and residential apartments above them.
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Tip: Visit Stora Torget during the warmer months for a pleasant experience of the open-air square and its architectural details. While the square itself is freely accessible, consider exploring nearby cafes and shops. Early visits on weekdays can offer a quieter atmosphere. No specific ticketing is required, and no advance booking is necessary for the public square. Check local event calendars as the square occasionally hosts markets and cultural events.
Interesting facts
- •Stora Torget's enclosed-corner design is a rare architectural feature in Sweden, with only one other example in Piteå.
- •The Strandbergska house on the square was Uppsala's first building equipped with an electric elevator.
- •The 2015 renovation of Åhlénshuset introduced a modern facade of glass and polished stainless steel panels, blending contemporary design with historical surroundings.
History
Stora Torget was established in 1643 as part of Uppsala's city plan, replacing the medieval Gamla Torget as the central marketplace.
Its distinctive enclosed-corner design reflects urban planning trends of the 17th century, making it one of only two such squares remaining in Sweden.
Over the centuries, the square has evolved architecturally, with key developments including the 1883 redesign of the City Hall by Herman Holmgren and the mid-20th-century construction of Åhlénshuset.
The 2015 renovation of Åhlénshuset modernized the square's appearance while respecting its historical context.
Place Guide
Uppsala City Hall (RĂĄdhuset)1883
Originally redesigned in 1883 by architect Herman Holmgren, the building now serves as a fashion department store. It is a landmark representing 19th-century architecture in the square.
Åhlénshuset1960s / 2015 (renovation)
Built in the early 1960s with a distinctive perforated concrete facade designed by Bengt Edlund of Backström & Reinius, the building was renovated in 2015 with a new glass and stainless steel panel facade by Tham & Videgård Architects, showcasing modern architectural evolution on the square.
Strandbergska House and Bank PalacesTurn of the 20th century
These neo-baroque turn-of-the-century buildings on the western side of the square include the Strandbergska house, notable for housing Uppsala's first electric elevator, and two bank palaces designed by Ture Stenberg and Ullrich & Hallquisth.
Skandia Building1960s
Designed by Sven Ivar Lind, this building is an example of non-brutalist 1960s architecture, contrasting with the brutalist Åhlénshuset and adding architectural diversity to the square.