Torgallmenningen Square, Bergen

Bergen is proud of its long history, but there is one feature of the old city that few would want back: the fires. Something had to be done. One solution was the creation of allmenninger-broad streets and open spaces that could serve as firebreaks and prevent flames from spreading from one district to another. Bergen began creating such spaces after major fires in the 16th century, and Torgallmenningen Square was established after the fire of 1582.

After the devastating fire of 1916, the area was redesigned once again. Its present architecture, largely shaped by architect Finn Berner in the 1920s, is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian Neoclassicism in Norway. Today, Torgallmenningen is Bergen's main promenade and one of the busiest meeting places in the city center. Shops and shopping centers line the square, while glass canopies along parts of the façades provide some welcome protection from Bergen's famously frequent rain.

At the eastern, harbor end of Torgallmenningen stands the Maritime Monument, created by Norwegian sculptor Dyre Vaa and unveiled in 1950. Twelve life-size bronze figures represent Norwegian seafarers from different periods, from the Viking Age to the 20th century. Reliefs above them illustrate episodes from Norway's long maritime history. The sailors themselves receive little protection from Bergen's rain-but after all, they are sailors.

At the opposite end of Torgallmenningen is another Bergen landmark. “We'll meet at the Blue Stone” is a phrase familiar to almost everyone in the city. Created by artist Asbjørn Andresen and installed in 1993, the Blue Stone is a nine-meter-long sculpture covered with blue stone from Brazil. It stands on Kong Olav V's Square, between the upper and lower sections of Ole Bulls Square, right at the western end of Torgallmenningen. Despite its simple appearance, it has become one of Bergen's best-known meeting points.