Riksdag (Parliament House), Stockholm

The Parliament House is the seat of the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) and is situated on Helgeandsholmen, an islet in the heart of Stockholm's historic district, Gamla stan. This iconic building complex was designed by architect Aron Johansson in a style that combines Neoclassical architecture with a Baroque Revival facade, reflecting the grandeur and historic significance of the Swedish legislative body.

Construction of the Parliament House began in 1897 and finished in 1905 after Johansson won a design competition in 1889. The new complex replaced the Old Riksdag Building on Riddarholmen and initially included two main buildings: one for the Riksdag and one for the Swedish National Bank. The bank building, semicircular in shape, was later converted to house the new Assembly Hall when the Riksdag became unicameral in 1971. During this transition, the bank was relocated, and Parliament temporarily moved to the newly built Kulturhuset in central Stockholm.

Helgeandsholmen, the islet where the Riksdag buildings are located, has a rich history dating back to the 14th century when it was home to a sanctuary that cared for the sick and elderly. Today, the Parliament House is connected by a network of underground passages, some of which pass through areas of significant archaeological interest, including remnants of Stockholm's old city wall from the 16th century.

Despite undergoing various renovations and changes over the years, particularly in the East Wing, the Parliament House has retained much of its original architectural splendor. The building’s interiors feature Art Nouveau elements, contributing to its unique and historic atmosphere. The Parliament House stands as a symbol of Sweden's democratic traditions and serves as a central landmark in Stockholm's architectural and political landscape.