Gamla Stan -- The grand, decorous capital of Sweden bears a name mindful of its humble beginnings: stock (logs) and holm (island), founded in 1255 on three islets with a combined area of 1/4 square km in the middle of Lake Mälaren. It is here that Gamla Stan, or old town, took its form in the 16th century. Here one will find the royal palace, the state cathedral, numerous stores and restaurants frequented by tourists and locals like. 

In the picture at left, the cultural center and concert hall are seen in the background across the waters; above, iconographic 18th-century inns greet visitors of the main square, the Stortorget.