Oslo is the European capital home to the Royal Palace, the official residence of Norway’s monarch.
The Royal Palace stands at the western end of Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s principal ceremonial boulevard. Construction began in 1825 during the reign of King Charles III John, and the building was completed in 1849. It became the permanent royal residence during the reign of Oscar I.
The palace is used for state occasions, audiences, and official functions. Although the monarch lives and works there at times, the royal household also uses other properties, including Skaugum and the historic Bygdøy Royal Estate.
Oslo lies at the head of the Oslofjord and is Norway’s political and cultural centre. The city was founded around 1024 according to traditional dating, while archaeological evidence confirms medieval settlement in the area. It was called Christiania or Kristiania for much of the period from 1624 to 1925.