You will begin this picturesque journey with a short introduction to Sweden and Stockholm. The formal name of Sweden is “Kingdom of Sweden”. Many of the buildings you will see at this point have a Royal connection. The majestic Royal Palace in front of you was built at the beginning of the 18th century in the magnificent Baroque style. The Opera house figured in the opera "The Masked Ball" composed by Guiseppe Verdi about the Swedish king Gustav III. The beautiful house in the classic style on the other side of the square, which now houses the Ministry of Foreign affairs, was once the Heir Presumptive palace.

Parliament Building (Riksdagshuset)

The predecessor of the parliament (riksdagen) was the “Riksdag of the Estates” (Ståndsriksdagen) where Nobility, Clergy, Burghers, Peasants met separately for discussions before meeting the King in the palace. Until its dissolution in 1866, the institution was the highest authority in Sweden next to the King. In 1866 a parliament with two chambers was introduced, but still without equal voting rights for all citizens. The first elections with general suffrage was held in 1921. This was after a long political struggle led by liberals and socialists.