Köpmanbrinken (Merchant's Slope), Stockholm

Merchant's Slope (Köpmanbrinken) is a historic street located in Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan). This street is unique as it consists of two distinct slopes that were unified under the current name in 1885, following the creation of Merchant's Square (Köpmantorget) which separates them.

The northern slope of Merchant's Slope has a rich history, once known as Fishing Shore Slope (Fiskestrandsbrinken), due to its proximity to the city's primary fish market during the Middle Ages, from 1413 to 1520. This market, located to the east of the slope, played a crucial role in the city's daily life, highlighting the area's importance as a bustling center of commerce.

As you walk along Merchant's Slope, one of the most striking features is the statue of Saint George and the Dragon. This bronze replica, cast in 1912, is a copy of the original medieval sculpture housed in Stockholm Cathedral. The statue depicts a young Saint George, dressed in full battle armor, valiantly fighting a dragon. While the replica stays true to the spirit of the original from 1489, it introduces several alterations, such as modifications to the knight's helmet and the dragon's position. The statue is mounted on a plinth adorned with reliefs depicting the martyrdom of Saint George, adding to its historical and artistic significance.

Number 17 Köpmanbrinken stands out for its early 20th-century design, completed in 1902. The building accommodates a mix of ground-floor shops, office spaces, and residences. It also houses the restaurant "Pontus in the Green House," which adds a modern touch with its distinctive color scheme. Flanking this building are two alleys with historical significance: Nygränd (New Alley) and Brunnsgränd (Well's Alley). Although Brunnsgränd suggests the presence of a well, none exists, adding a bit of historical curiosity to the area.