SWEDEN : Stockholm - History

The name " Stockholm" appeared for the first time of in the chronicle of Eric (Eriks krönikan), probably written between 1322 and 1332. According to this chronicle Stockholm was founded by Birger Jarl in 1252. It was named Stockholm , as referring to the town in between the bridges.

The city houses were all rather simple, manufactured in wood, while the Stockholm Cathedral Storkyrkan and the tower named Three Crowns, on the other hand were majestic. It was an overcrowded city, and fires were common making life rather hazardous. The remains from these days are the churches, and fragmentary pieces of the houses. However, the burnt down houses were soon replaced by houses built in a similar fashion, so, the narrow streets and high buildings still give a medieval impression.

The 14th and 15th centuries meant rearrangements as well as enlargements to the city and Norrmalm and Södermalm grew up rather quickly. As most of the inhabitants were of German descent, the north German architecture is clearly shown in the Old Town . As Gustav Vasa entered the scene, drastic changes were at hand. He made Sweden an independent monarchy, and Stockholm the capital of Sweden . Officially, however, it was not until 1634 that Stockholm gained this status.

By the end of the 17th century, Stockholm had changed once more, knights, Royal emissaries, and merchants rich enough, had palaces and large castles constructed, such as the House of the Knights , and the Royal Palace . Stockholm now had several quarters, and immigration into the city increased.

During the 19th century, the city was re-built and the old quarters were renewed, and a number of public buildings were erected, such as; hospitals, railway stations, post offices. The trams were made the main transportation system in Stockholm . Now, the working class was moved out into the suburbs, Sundbyberg being the first, then others followed rapidly. The elite, however, began moving out into Djursholm, where villas were erected.

Stockholm was, during the 18th century, known as a cultural centre and an important trade centre. As the steamships and the railway had their centre here, it also became the very heart of trading on an international basis.

During the 20th century, the city has transformed into a large cosmopolitan city with several additional areas, all of them counted as the Greater Stockholm.