Riksdagshuset, a parliament on an island

You have crossed to the islet of Helgeandsholmen, 'Holy Spirit Island', between the Royal Palace and Norrmalm. Before you is Riksdagshuset, home of the Riksdag, Sweden's Parliament, one of the oldest in Europe: its roots go back to the assemblies of the 15th century.

1A building that must not outshine the king

By the late 19th century the old parliament on Riddarholmen had become too small. After years of debate, it was decided in 1888 to build the Parliament here, with the national bank next door. The design, by the young architect Aron Johansson, was heavily criticised: many artists felt such a large building should not rise so close to the palace. King Oscar II laid the foundation stone on 13 May 1897, and Parliament moved in in 1905.

2From four estates to one chamber

Until 1866 Parliament was divided into four estates: nobility, clergy, burghers and peasants. Then came two chambers and, since 1971, a single one with 349 members. To house it, the former bank building on the west side was converted.

3A city beneath the ground

During works in 1978-1980, archaeologists found a stretch of Gustav Vasa's city wall from 1530 and the cemetery of a medieval hospital with the remains of some 2,800 people. That is how the Medieval Museum was born; it stood under Norrbro until 2023 and is preparing to move to Stortorget.

4What to look for

• The gilded inscription above the main entrance.
• The Swedish coat of arms carved above the arch of the door.
• Theodor Lundberg's sculptures: below, the four estates; above, Moder Svea, 'Mother Svea', five metres tall.