Brända Tomten (Burnt Lot), Stockholm

Brända Tomten, or "The Burnt Lot," is a charming, triangular public square nestled in the historic old town of central Stockholm. The name reflects its history, originating from a devastating fire that left the lot burnt down. This quaint square features a few benches under a chestnut tree, with ivy cascading from the surrounding buildings, creating a lush and serene environment. During the summer months, the square becomes a hub for storytellers who gather to share tales with both enthusiasts and passers-by.

The square's history dates back to a fire in 1728 that destroyed a building at the corner of Kindstugatan and Själagårdsgatan. It was not rebuilt for several decades, leading to the name "Brända Tomten." The need for open spaces for horse-drawn vehicles' turning radius made such areas necessary. City architect Johan Eberhard Carlberg proposed a turning space here in 1734, referring to it as "Ekmarck's burnt-out lot" in plans from 1732. Although not named on maps from 1733 and 1770, the 1760 population register identifies it as Brända Tomten.

The square has also inspired cultural works, such as a chamber play named "Brända Tomten" by the renowned Swedish author August Strindberg, which was adapted into a TV play in 1974. An interesting linguistic note is that "Brända Tomten" in Swedish can be humorously mistranslated to "The burnt gnome" or "The burnt Santa Claus," a mistake often made by computerized translations.

Brända Tomten remains a picturesque and historically rich spot in Stockholm, blending the charm of Gamla stan with layers of historical significance and cultural heritage.