Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building stands as one of Europe's most spectacular landmarks, dominating the eastern bank of the Danube River with its extraordinary Gothic Revival silhouette. Designed by architect Imre Steindl and completed in 1902, this architectural marvel represents Hungary's ambitions during the dual monarchy period and remains a powerful symbol of Hungarian sovereignty and cultural identity.

Architectural Vision and Design

When Hungary sought to build a parliament befitting its status within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, an international competition was held in 1882. Imre Steindl won with his Neo-Gothic design inspired by the Palace of Westminster in London. The construction began in 1885 and employed over a thousand workers during its peak years.

The building stretches 268 meters along the riverbank and rises to a central dome height of 96 meters, symbolically matching the height of St. Stephen's Basilica. This equal height represents the balance between secular and religious power in Hungarian history. The number 96 also commemorates 896 AD, the year the Magyar tribes conquered the Carpathian Basin.

The Interior Grandeur

Stepping inside the Parliament reveals an even more impressive world of artistic achievement. The interior features stunning frescoes by renowned Hungarian painters including Karoly Lotz and Mihaly Munkacsy. The Grand Staircase alone contains 365 stone sculptures representing the days of the year.

The hexagonal Central Hall beneath the dome serves as the ceremonial heart of the building. Here, the Hungarian Holy Crown is permanently displayed along with other coronation regalia. The crown, believed to date back partly to the 11th century, represents Hungarian statehood and has survived invasions, theft attempts, and centuries of political upheaval.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The construction utilized approximately 40 million bricks, 500,000 precious stones, and 40 kilograms of gold for gilding. The exterior features soft limestone from Szeged, which unfortunately has required extensive restoration due to Budapest's pollution. The interior showcases Hungarian craftsmanship at its finest, with intricate woodcarvings, stained glass windows, and ornamental ironwork.

Sadly, architect Imre Steindl became blind before the building's completion and never fully witnessed his masterpiece. He died just weeks before the official opening in 1902, but his vision had already transformed Budapest's skyline forever.

Historical Significance

The Parliament has witnessed pivotal moments in Hungarian history. From the proclamation of the short-lived Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919 to the 1956 Revolution when Soviet tanks surrounded the building, its walls have absorbed the drama of national transformation. Today, it continues as the seat of Hungary's unicameral National Assembly.

Visitor Information

Guided tours are available for visitors, offering access to the Grand Staircase, the Old Upper House Hall, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. EU citizens can visit for free with proper identification, while non-EU visitors pay a modest entrance fee. Tours typically last 45 minutes and are conducted in multiple languages.

Viewing the Parliament

For the best photographic perspectives, head to Fisherman's Bastion or the Buda Castle terrace across the river. The Parliament is particularly stunning at sunset when golden light illuminates its facade, and at night when dramatic lighting transforms it into a glowing landmark visible throughout the city.

A river cruise along the Danube provides moving panoramas of the building, while Tram 2 running along the Pest embankment offers repeated glimpses as it passes through Kossuth Square. The square itself, recently restored to its 1956 appearance, provides impressive ground-level perspectives.

For more detailed information about visiting the Parliament, consult the official Hungarian Parliament website.