Nytorv literally means the "New Square" in Danish and lies adjacent to Gammeltorv or the "Old Square". The pedestrian shopping street of Strøget divides the two. Despite its name, the square dates from 1606. A devastating fire meant the it had to be substantially rebuilt in the late eighteenth century. It was in this phase of rebuilding that the huge, classically inspired, central law court, which dominates one side of the square, was erected. Nytorv had long been the traditional site for public floggings. Today it is a place you can relax at an open-air cafe in summer. There are several restaurants around the square. There is also a plaque on the square indicating that philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once lived here.
