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Historical places #21 in Malmö

Charles X Gustav sculpture

4.4 · 954 reviews
Open and historically significant urban space
Charles X Gustav sculpture, Stortorget 17, 211 22 Malmö, Sweden
Interesting facts
1

King Charles X Gustav is credited with securing the southern provinces for Sweden, which drastically changed the national borders in the 17th century.

2

The statue was funded through a public donation campaign that lasted several years before completion.

3

John Börjeson, the sculptor, was a professor at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts and a prominent figure in Nordic monumental art.

4

The monument's pedestal features an inscription detailing the king's role in the consolidation of the Swedish realm.

5

Stortorget, where the statue stands, was created in 1536 following the demolition of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit.

6

The statue is frequently used as a central meeting point due to its location in the middle of the city's primary pedestrian zone.

Overview

The Charles X Gustav equestrian statue is a prominent bronze monument located in the center of Stortorget, the oldest square in Malmö. Created by sculptor John Börjeson and unveiled in 1896, the statue commemorates the Swedish King who oversaw the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658. This treaty resulted in Scania, Halland, and Blekinge transferring from Danish to Swedish rule. The monument stands as a symbol of historical regional shifts between the two kingdoms. It occupies a central position on the cobblestone square, surrounded by prominent historical buildings including the Malmö Town Hall.

Photo spot

From the south end of the square, capturing the statue with the Town Hall façade as a backdrop.

Insider tips

Visit the surrounding Stortorget square to view the Dutch Renaissance architecture of the Malmö Town Hall.

Combine your visit with a short walk to the nearby Lilla Torg, which offers a starkly different, medieval timber-framed aesthetic.

What to avoid

Do not mistake the modern shopping centers nearby for the historical area; ensure you stay in the Stortorget square for the authentic historical atmosphere.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
15-20 minutes
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a weekday to see the square in its natural state before the evening bustle of nearby restaurants.
Address
Charles X Gustav sculpture, Stortorget 17, 211 22 Malmö, Sweden
55.606, 13.000
Get directions
Details
SculptorJohn Börjeson
Year of Inauguration1896

Frequently asked

Plan for about 15-20 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a weekday to see the square in its natural state before the evening bustle of nearby restaurants..

From the south end of the square, capturing the statue with the Town Hall façade as a backdrop.

Close by you'll find Malmö Castle, St. Peter's Church, Malmo Museum.