Strolling through Gamla Stan

On this new day strolling the streets of the Swedish capital, we were again blessed by the weather gods.  After a sunny morning with chilly winds, we got another day of bright sunshine.  And considering we spent a large part of the day, exploring the little streets and alleys of Gamla Stan, it was just perfect.

We started off from a different T-bana station than yesterday and this one had the cutest decorations, like the one on the left.  All these pixelated drawings made me feel like I was a character in a Mario game. Instant good feeling ...

So, we boarded the green line which brought us immediately into Gamla Stan. First stop on the programme, was visiting the Ridderholms Church where all the Swedish monarchs used to be buried.  While looking at the shields of the deceased monarchs and heads of state, we were surprised to find (besides the ones of Emperor Hirohito, Charles de Gaulle and Prince Rainier of Monaco) the one of our own late King Boudewijn.  Apparently every Knight of the Order of Seraphim hands in their shield and motto when they are appointed and when they pass away, the shield gets a place in the Church.  The memorial chapels with the sarcophagi were quite impressive, especially the Gustavian one. Seeing those little pewter coffins was a bit sad, two of the children only lived to be 1 year old.  Luckily science has evolved enough to reduce the death rate in children these days ...

After a short walk we ended up at the Kungliga Slottet, the Royal Palace. Taking pictures was not allowed, so I have nothing to show for but we did tour the whole castle, visiting the state apartments, the treasury, ...  I was surprised to learn that during their official visits the different heads of state stayed at the Royal Palace and in the same rooms that were opened to the public.  I always thought that when the Kings and Presidents went abroad on official visits, they would be staying at upscale fancy hotels.  I'll have to check what they do at home.  If they also take in royal guests at the palace or if they let them spent the night at the Conrad or another one of Brussels 5* hotels ...

Next stop was the Storkyrkan, or Stockholm's cathedral.  This is my favourite of the buildings we have visited so far.  I really liked the feel of the place, even if I am in general not a fan of baroque.  If I can choose, I'll always opt for a (late) Gothic architecture, but this one was OK.  Probably because it was a Gothic church to begin with :o)

We rounded off the day by strolling around the island, from Stortorget (the big place in the center of the island) to Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest street of Gamla stan, a little alley, barely 90 cm large and counting 36 steps.  Old colourful houses, little piazzas and a blue sky, ... can you ask for more?

Tomorrow will be a more relaxed day, as we have at least one boat trip scheduled and while checking the timetables again tonight, I spotted a second one which might catch our interest as well.  Better spare our feet a bit, as we'll have another up and running day on Sunday when we'll be visiting Drottningholm Palace.  Stay tuned for more travel news ...