The Norwegian Parliament, or Storting (literally "big thing") lies in the heart of Oslo, a short distance from the Royal Palace. This grand building has been the seat of the National Assembly since 1866. Its role is to pass all laws and adopt the budget. It has been the supreme legislative body since the adoption of the constitution in the early nineteenth century. Each year more than twenty five thousand people visit the Storting and take a guided tour, either when it is in session or on a Saturday.
