Uppsala history

City Origins: From Östra Aros to Uppsala

The history of Uppsala is unique in that the city actually "moved" during the Middle Ages. Originally, this name referred to the ancient pagan and political center that we now know as Old Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala). The modern city began its history as a port and trading settlement called Östra Aros, located at the river mouth.

The official starting point for the new Uppsala is considered to be 1273. It was then that the residence of the archbishop and the relics of Saint Eric were moved from the old center to Östra Aros. Along with the spiritual authority, the historic name—Uppsala—was also transferred to the city.

Key Factors of Establishment

The city's development was defined by a successful combination of geography and high status:

• Waterways: Its location on the Fyris River (Fyrisån), which flows into Lake Mälaren, made the city an important transport hub. This allowed for active trade and maintained a connection with the Baltic coast.
• Spiritual Center: By becoming the seat of the Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, Uppsala secured its role as the country's religious capital. The famous Cathedral—the largest in Scandinavia—was founded here.
• Political Significance: Proximity to historical burial mounds and places of traditional assemblies (Things) made the city an important point for the Swedish monarchy.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Uppsala was built around the annual Disting fair, which attracted merchants from the entire region. However, the main cultural breakthrough was the founding of Uppsala University in 1477—the first university in Scandinavia. This event forever changed the face of the city, transforming it from a simple religious center into the intellectual heart of Northern Europe, where Sweden's scientific and cultural elite was formed.

Chronology of City Development

• 1160: King Eric IX (Saint Eric) was killed on the site where the Cathedral now stands, making the city an important place of pilgrimage.
• 1273: The archbishop's residence and the relics of Saint Eric were officially moved from Old Uppsala to Östra Aros, which inherited the name Uppsala.
• 1435: The monumental Uppsala Cathedral was solemnly consecrated; its construction had lasted more than 150 years.
• 1477: Uppsala University was founded—the first higher education institution in all of Scandinavia.
• 1549: By order of King Gustav I Vasa, the construction of Uppsala Castle began as a defensive fortress and royal residence.
• 1625: Construction was completed on the Gustavianum, which served as the main university building for many years.
• 1663: Professor Olof Rudbeck created the famous Anatomical Theatre in the dome of the Gustavianum for public lectures on medicine.
• 1702: A terrible fire destroyed almost the entire city, including the cathedral roof and part of the castle, requiring massive reconstruction.
• 1741: The famous naturalist Carl Linnaeus became a professor of medicine at the university, turning the city into a global center of botany.
• 1866: The opening of the railway line connecting Uppsala with Stockholm gave a powerful impulse to the industrial development of the city.
• 1887: The new Main Building of Uppsala University, built in the Renaissance style, was solemnly opened.

Stages of Uppsala's Transformation

The history of Uppsala is a journey from a religious center to a modern innovation hub. The city's development can be divided into several key stages, each of which radically changed its appearance and role in Swedish life.

• Establishment as a Spiritual Capital (13th Century)
  The transfer of the archbishop's seat from Old Uppsala to Östra Aros (present-day Uppsala) forever defined the city's status. Significance: The city became the religious heart of the country, leading to large-scale construction, including the erection of the Cathedral, which dominates the cityscape to this day.

• Academic Revolution (1477)
  The founding of Uppsala University turned the city from a purely clerical center into an abode of knowledge. Significance: The university became a city-forming enterprise, attracting youth, scholars, and investments, which formed the unique intellectual atmosphere that distinguishes Uppsala from other Swedish cities.

• Scientific Flourishing and Urban Planning (18th Century)
  The era of Carl Linnaeus brought Uppsala to the global scientific stage. After the devastating fire of 1702, the city was rebuilt: the chaotic medieval layout was replaced by a regular grid of streets. Significance: The city received a modern layout and the status of a European center for natural sciences.

• Industrialization and the Railway (1866)
  The opening of the railway connection to Stockholm gave a powerful boost to the economy. Significance: Mechanical engineering, publishing, and the food industry began to develop in the city, leading to population growth and the expansion of city boundaries beyond the historic center.

• The Era of Biotechnology (20th Century)
  The development of the pharmaceutical company Pharmacia and close cooperation between business and the university created a base for the city's modern economy. Significance: Uppsala transformed into one of the world's leading clusters in the field of medicine and biotechnologies (Life Science), ensuring economic stability and prestigious jobs.

• Integration into the Capital Region (21st Century)
  Improved high-speed connections turned Uppsala into an important part of the growing Mälaren Valley region. Significance: The city became attractive for living for those working in Stockholm, while preserving its comfort, environmental friendliness, and own cultural identity.

Architectural Appearance: A City of Two Banks

The urban structure of Uppsala is clearly defined by the Fyris River (Fyrisån). Historically, the city is divided into two contrasting parts: the western bank is the elevated "academic and spiritual" district with the castle, cathedral, and university buildings, while the eastern bank is the flat, lively commercial and residential center. This layout has been preserved for centuries, creating a unique dialogue of eras in the urban space.

Styles and Eras in Stone

A walk through Uppsala resembles a visual guide to the history of architecture, where each style reflects a specific stage of influence by the church, the crown, or science.

• Baltic Gothic (13th–15th Centuries)
  The undisputed dominant feature of the city is Uppsala Cathedral. This is a classic example of Brick Gothic: pointed arches, buttresses, and spires reaching for the sky. The building, which is the tallest cathedral in Scandinavia, is visible from almost any point in the city, symbolizing the medieval power of the church.

• Renaissance (16th Century)
  The era of the Vasa dynasty gave the city Uppsala Castle (Uppsala slott). Located on a strategic height, it is executed in the forms of the Northern Renaissance. Its massive walls and round towers served not only for defense but also as a demonstration of royal power rising above the city.

• Baroque and Classicism (17th–19th Centuries)
  After the devastating fire of 1702, the city received a more regular street grid. A vivid example of the transition from Renaissance to Baroque is the Gustavianum with its unique onion dome ("Sundhetsborgan"). In the 19th century, the flourishing of the university brought a fashion for strict Classicism and Empire style: the Carolina Rediviva library with its concise facade became a temple of knowledge, while the University Main Building, built in the Neo-Renaissance style, added pomp to the center.

• Postmodernism and Modernity (20th–21st Centuries)
  Modern Uppsala is not afraid of bold decisions. The Uppsala Konsert & Kongress (UKK) concert hall building, resembling a sparkling crystal with a geometric facade, has become a new symbol of the city. The eastern part of the city is actively being built up with modern functional architecture, especially in the railway station area, creating a contrast with the historic west.

Urban Planning Accents

An important role in the city's appearance is played by green zones, established back in the time of Carl Linnaeus. The strict geometry of the Botanical Garden in Baroque style in front of the castle visually connects the royal residence with the university, emphasizing the historical union of power and science.

Distinguished Personalities of Uppsala

Uppsala has served as a magnet for the brilliant minds of Scandinavia for centuries. Kings lived here, great scientists made discoveries, and world-famous artists created their works. Here is a list of key figures whose names are inextricably linked with the history of the city.

• Carl Linnaeus
  Naturalist, botanist, and physician (18th Century)
  One of the most famous residents of the city, known as the "King of Flowers." Linnaeus created a unified system for classifying the plant and animal worlds, which science uses to this day. He lived and worked in Uppsala for over 35 years, turning the university botanical garden into a leading scientific center in Europe.

• Anders Celsius
  Astronomer, geologist, and meteorologist (18th Century)
  A professor at Uppsala University who immortalized his name by creating the temperature measurement scale. Celsius also founded the oldest astronomical observatory in Uppsala and was actively involved in studying the northern lights.

• Ingmar Bergman
  Theatre and film director, screenwriter (20th Century)
  A legend of world cinema was born in Uppsala. The atmosphere of the city, its cathedral, and the streets of his childhood had a deep influence on the director's work, manifesting most vividly in the Oscar-winning film "Fanny and Alexander."

• Dag Hammarskjöld
  Diplomat, Secretary-General of the UN (20th Century)
  The Nobel Peace Prize laureate spent his childhood and student years in Uppsala (his father was the governor of the county and lived in the castle). Hammarskjöld is considered one of the most effective Secretaries-General in UN history. He is buried in the old cemetery of Uppsala.

• Olof Rudbeck the Elder
  Scientist, architect, and engineer (17th Century)
  A true "universal man" of the Swedish Great Power era. He discovered the human lymphatic system, built the famous Anatomical Theatre in the dome of the Gustavianum, and led the restoration of the city, creating its modern plan.

• Eric IX (Saint Eric)
  King of Sweden, patron saint of the country (12th Century)
  A key figure in medieval history. According to legend, the king was killed by Danes near the church in Uppsala after mass. His relics are kept in a golden shrine in the Cathedral, and Eric himself is depicted on the coat of arms of Stockholm.

• Nathan Söderblom
  Archbishop of Uppsala, theologian (19th–20th Centuries)
  An outstanding religious figure who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1930 for his efforts to unite Christian churches for the sake of peace (the ecumenical movement). His legacy still defines the role of the Swedish church in society.