Prästgatan, Stockholm

Known as “The Priest’s Street,” Prästgatan can be found in Gamla Stan in the oldest section of Stockholm. The street’s name is derived from its ecclesiastic residents during the 16th century which included three chaplains and a bell-ringer. In 1708 a parsonage was built which stands in the same place today. One end of the street led to the Blackfriars monastery. The Blackfriars were part of the Dominican Order, of the Roman Catholic Church which was founded by Saint Dominic in 1216. The monastery was ordered destroyed during the Protestant Reformation under the direct order of King Vasa. Part of the archeological excavation, which took place in 199, involved the unearthing of the front corner of the monastery. On the corner where Kåkbrinken intersects Prästgatan is a runestone, which is a raised stone with an inscription that was a popular tradition during the age of the Vikings. The stone dates back to around 1000 and is one of the oldest items found in the city. The stone is one of three runestones which can be found in the city. Visitors to the city can plan a day around exploring the streets in Gamla Stan while searching for the three runestones.