Stortorvet or, simply put, the Big Square, is the oldest square in Oslo, existing since 1736. It appeared during the construction of the Lutheran Cathedral, which began at the end of the 17th century. This building, which still adorns the cityscape, is located to the east of the square.
The so-called "Battle on the Square" - a tragic clash between Norwegian demonstrators and the troops of the Swedish-Norwegian Union - took place right here, on Stortorvet. For a long time, the city market was located on the square, where farmers and merchants offered their goods to local residents. Trade is still carried on here, but most of the shops and stalls moved in 1889 to Youngstorget – the "New Square".
All the buildings located on Stortorvet are unique architectural monuments built in the 17th-18th centuries. Here you can see old mansions and former commercial premises.
One of the most remarkable structures, included in the list of protected historic architectural sites, is the restaurant and inn Stortorvets Gjestgiveri, built at the same time as the Cathedral.
Nowadays, locals and tourists alike like to visit the square to admire the old houses and relax by the fountains next to the monument to King Christian IV.
