Gamla Stan district in Stockholm is located on four islands. This historical settlement was founded in the second half of the thirteenth century by the Swedish nobleman Jarl Birger Magnusson. The so called Stortorget is a small elegant square considered to be the heart of the district, it is surrounded by colorful houses. In the oldest part of Stockholm there are the Royal Palace, Nobel Museum, the Parliament building and the thirteenth-century cathedral of St. Nicholas. Gamla Stan attracts tourists with charming narrow streets, well-maintained buildings with colorful, richly decorated facades as well as plenty of shops and restaurants. The islands of the Stockholm archipelago are served by boats.
