Uppland Runic Inscription 53, Norse runestone in Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden
Uppland Runic Inscription 53 is a Norse runestone embedded in a wall in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town. The stone stands at waist height where Prästgatan and Kåkbrinken streets meet, integrated into the building facade.
The stone dates to the 11th century and bears a partial inscription mentioning Torsten and Frögunn as those who ordered it. They had it made to commemorate their son.
The stone displays typical Uppland carving with a dragon whose body coils in loops, along with a Christian cross added later. This blend of pagan and religious symbols shows how old and new beliefs existed side by side during its time.
The stone sits at a busy street corner and is easy to miss since it sits behind a street post with no informational placard nearby. Take your time walking through Gamla Stan and look carefully at building walls to spot this historical find.
Laser scanning revealed the stone was carved by two different craftsmen: an experienced master and an apprentice with less skill. This discovery provides insight into medieval craft practices and how apprentices learned their trade.
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