Riddarhustorget

A product of the redesign of the western parts of the city in the early-17th century, the square first appears in historical records as Riddare huuss platzen ("Knight's House Space", 1641), and Riddarehuus Torget (1662).

In 1765, the nobility decided to transfer the southern premises of their lot to the city for the enlargement of the open space in front of the palace, and had the statue of King Gustav Vasa placed in the middle of it.

[2] On the western side of the square is a scenic view of the bridge Riddarholmsbron stretching over Riddarholmskanalen and the motorway Centralbron to the islet Riddarholmen and some prominent buildings there, including Riddarholmskyrkan and a few of the palaces.

The new proprietor Gottfried Sackenhielm used part of his palace to run a tavern and a brothel that was frequently visited by many notable men of the era, including the still popular troubadour Carl Michael Bellman.

Following the death of Sackenhielm, the property was taken over by Johan Bergstrahl, who, except giving parts of the block their present names, raised the activities in the buildings to an unprecedented level, introducing social clubs, newspapers and café's.