Medborgarplatsen, Stockholm

Medborgarplatsen is a broad public square on Södermalm, commonly shortened to “Medis.” Its story began with railway construction and Stockholm Södra station in the late 1850s, when the open space was planned for selling farm goods arriving by train. The square still mixes civic life with everyday activity: its small ice-skating rink becomes a terrace with benches during summer, and a substantial public library occupies one corner.

At another corner stands Lillienhoff Palace, dating from the 17th century. The square is also a regular starting point for demonstrations. Beside the Medborgarhuset steps, look for the glass memorial designed by Leif Bolter for Anna Lindh.

She gave her final public speech here on September 9, 2003; the memorial was installed on the anniversary in 2004. A busy square carries that solemn memory in its very surface.