Skvallertorget: A clutch of history in Norrköping's heart

Skvallertorget, located in central Norrköping, Sweden, has been a meeting place for people for centuries. Dating back to the 17th century or possibly earlier, it is located where Kungsgatan, Bredgatan, and Västgötegatan intersect. The route of Västgötegatan, which intersects the square, has remained unchanged since medieval times. The original name of the square is Skvallertorget, but it has also been called Lilla torget and Samtalstorget. However, the origin of the name Skvallertorget is not known.

There are several theories about its origin. One theory suggests that it comes from Sqwal gränden, a street shown on maps from the 1700s. Another theory says it comes from the skvaltkvarnar (skvalt mills) that were in the area. A third theory suggests that Skvallertorget was a place where people would gather to draw water and talk. In recent times, Skvallertorget was redesigned to allow pedestrians and vehicles to meet without traffic lights or signs.

Stockholm awarded it the Vackra vägars prize in 2004 for this design. Skvallertorget has become an important place in the western part of Norrköpings inner city, near Campus Norrköping (Linköpings university).

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons