The Stortinget, Norway's parliament, sits right in the middle of Karl Johans gate, between the Royal Palace and the cathedral. The building was designed by Swedish architect Emil Victor Langlet, whose proposal was chosen by a narrow vote of 59 to 47 in 1860. That a Swedish architect was chosen to build the Norwegian parliament caused some grumbling at the time. Construction started in August 1860, and the building was taken into use on 5 March 1866, costing just under one million kroner.
The architecture is a mix of French and Italian influences, built in yellow brick with grey granite details. The most distinctive feature is the semicircular front section, which houses the plenary chamber. The two stone lions flanking the entrance slope are carved from Nordmarka granite and have guarded the hill since 1865. The slope itself is called Løvebakken, the Lions' Hill, and has become a symbol of Norwegian democracy. When politicians say they are "going to Løvebakken," they mean they are entering parliament.
The building is not normally open to tourists, but guided tours are offered on Saturdays when parliament is not in session. Check the Stortinget website for tour availability.
The architecture is a mix of French and Italian influences, built in yellow brick with grey granite details. The most distinctive feature is the semicircular front section, which houses the plenary chamber. The two stone lions flanking the entrance slope are carved from Nordmarka granite and have guarded the hill since 1865. The slope itself is called Løvebakken, the Lions' Hill, and has become a symbol of Norwegian democracy. When politicians say they are "going to Løvebakken," they mean they are entering parliament.
The building is not normally open to tourists, but guided tours are offered on Saturdays when parliament is not in session. Check the Stortinget website for tour availability.