A Medieval Tale Told Through Turtle Doors: Discover Bartelska och Törneska

In the historic heart of Gamla stan, Stockholm, stand two distinct buildings: Bartelska och Törneska Houses. Built in the 17th century, these structures tell a medieval tale etched in stone, wood and an intriguing turtle decorations. The buildings, dating back to 1594 and 1660, have been safeguarded since 1967. Currently, they are owned by a housing cooperative. On the ground floors, you'll find stone floors and cross vaults. The houses particularly impress thanks to their unique door decorations, most notably on the house facing Själagårdsgatan. This house bears the mark of Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, with the master stonecutter Johan Wendelstamm creating a sandstone portal, rich in intricate carved detail. The entrance on this house is turtle-adorned, the symbolism fitting for the intrigue the buildings hold.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons