Parliament in Budapest is one of the most impressive architectural and cultural landmarks in Hungary. Located in the iconic Kossuth Square, it is the seat of the National Assembly, the country’s legislative branch. The building was designed by Imre Steindl and completed in 1904.

The building is also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take in the beauty of the building from the square, or take a guided tour to explore the interior. They can also visit the library, which holds thousands of books, documents and artefacts related to Hungarian history.

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About the Budapest Parliament building

The Budapest Parliament is one of Budapest's most spectacular jewels, the second largest parliamentary building in Europe. It is the largest building in the city, and is one of the most iconic sights in Hungary. Located on the banks of the Danube river, the Hungarian Parliament building is a Neo-Gothic masterwork, built between 1885 and 1904. It is the third-tallest building in Hungary, standing at 96 meters (315 feet) tall.

Budapest Parliament Building under the Rainbow
Budapest Parliament Building © Zandart

Imre Steindl's design for the Budapest Parliament building was a source of immense pride for Hungary. Although Steindl did not live to witness the inauguration, his vision was realized with the use of only Hungarian raw materials, as well as Hungarian craftsmen and manufacturers. The only imported materials were the eight granite columns, part of a set of only twelve ever made in the world, four of which are located in Britain. Over 40 million bricks and 40 kilograms of 22-23 carat gold went into the construction, and the floor area is an impressive 18,000 square metres. The facade is adorned with 90 stone statues, while the interior features 162 figures. Additionally, the red carpet inside is almost 3 km long, and the Parliament is accessible through 27 gates, with 365 towers of varying sizes, one for each day of the year, rising up around it.

 

 

The House of Parliament is distinguished by its grandeur and its intricate design. Its Baroque floor plan, Gothic facade and Renaissance ceiling all communicate important political and historical messages. Measuring 268 metres in length and 123 metres at its widest point, the building has a 96 metre tower at its centre, which refers to the unity of the legislature and was the site of joint sittings of both the lower and upper houses. Each chamber is of the same design to signify the equal rights of the two houses.

The central element is the dome, with the National Assembly on one side and the Congress Hall on the other. The building has 27 gates, the main entrance is from Kossuth Square.

The main attractions of the building include the ceremonial staircase, the Dome Hall, the Chamber of Deputies, the Delegation Hall, the Reception Room of the President of the Republic and the Parliamentary Library. One of the most famous Hungarian painters, Mihály Munkácsi's famous painting "Honfoglalás" ("Homeland occupation") can also be seen here.

Since 2001 the Budapest Parliament has been the home of the Holy Crown and the Crown Jewels, the symbol of Hungarian statehood.

The Dome Hall

The Dome Hall is one of its most impressive features. Located on the second floor of the building, the Dome Hall is a grand neoclassical chamber that measures a staggering 35 meters in diameter and 20 meters in height.

The Dome Hall is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture, and features a stunning dome painted with the Hungarian coat of arms and surrounded by gold-tinted stonework. The walls of the hall are covered with frescoes depicting Hungarian historical figures, while the ceiling is decorated with intricate gilded stucco.

Since the year 2000, the Dome Hall has safeguarded the Hungarian Holy Crown and the Coronation Insignia all day, every day. Additionally, this hall features statues of Hungarian rulers, each standing atop a golden pedestal and sheltered by a golden canopy.

The Holy Crown the sword and the scepter
The Holy Crown the sword and the scepter

The dome of the Parliament is 96 metres high as the building was built to mark the millennium - the millennium of Hungary's foundation - it is intended to symbolise the year of the Hungarian conquest (896). The number of steps on the main staircase is also a reflection of the number of 96 as it leads up to the Dome Hall. The building has 365 towers, the number of days in the year.

The Chamber of Deputies in Budapest Parliament

The Chamber of Deputies in Budapest is the lower house of the Hungarian Parliament. It is the most important legislative body in Hungary, and is responsible for passing laws and representing the interests of the people.

The Chamber of Deputies was established in 1867, after the Austro-Hungarian Compromise. Since then, it has played a major role in the development of democratic traditions in Hungary, and has been a cornerstone of Hungarian democracy. It is composed of 199 members, elected by popular vote and proportional representation. The members serve for four-year terms, and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies is elected by the members.

The Chamber of Deputies is responsible for passing laws that affect the lives of all Hungarians. This includes laws on taxes, healthcare, education, and welfare, as well as laws that define the relationship between the government and the people. It also has the power to amend and repeal existing laws. In addition, the Chamber of Deputies has the power to impeach the President and Prime Minister, as well as other government officials.

The Chamber of Deputies is an essential part of Hungarian democracy, and it plays an important role in shaping the laws and policies of the country. It is a symbol of Hungarian democracy and a reminder of the power of the people.

The Hungarian Chamber of Deputies
The Hungarian Chamber of Deputies

The City Side Staircase XVII

The City Side Staircase XVII located in the Budapest Parliament building in Budapest is an exquisite example of the country’s architectural and artistic achievements. Built in a Neo-Gothic style, it is one of the most iconic and iconic features of the Parliament building.

The staircase is located on the south side of the building and is flanked by two towers. It is made of white marble and decorated with intricate details, including sculptures, carvings, and stained glass. The staircase is divided into three landings, each of which has its own unique features. The first landing features a bust of Hungary’s first King, Stephen I, while the second landing has two statues depicting the two great Hungarian statesmen, Ferenc Deák and Lajos Kossuth. The third landing is adorned with a stunning stained glass window with a view of the Danube River.

The luxurious gold-plated corridor, adorned with exquisite paintings, statues, and beautiful glass windows, guides one to the grand main floor.

The Grand Stairway of Budapest Parliament

At the end of the tour of the House of Parliament, you will be treated to a plethora of exquisite sights. On the ceiling, behold the works of Károly Lotz, a renowned Hungarian wall and portrait painter. Gaze at the stunningly ornate glass windows of Miksa Róth, a glass painter and mosaic artist, which decorate the walls on both sides of the hall. You will also be able to admire the eight granite columns that grace the interior.

The Grand Stairway in Budapest Parliament building is a breathtaking sight to behold. This grand staircase is a symbol of the magnificence of the Budapest Parliament building.

The Parliament used to be cooled by cold air coming in through two fountains with pools in the square. After these pools were dismantled, the milder climate was provided from the 1930s until 1994 by blocks of ice piled up in underground shafts.

It was made with a combination of Hungarian and French styles, creating a unique look. The stairway is a grand, sweeping staircase that is composed of 272 steps and is decorated with several statues, marble and bronze sculptures, and other ornate decorations.

The Grand Stairway is an impressive sight that symbolizes the importance of government in Hungary. As one ascends the staircase, it is easy to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship that went into its construction. The sculptures, statues, and decorations all carry with them a certain message about the importance of the Hungarian Parliament building.

The Grand Stairway
The Grand Stairway

Visiting the building

Visiting groups run inside the Parliament House, available every day from 8am to 4pm for a ticket. The walk lasts about 45 minutes and includes a multilingual guided tour of the history, architecture and artwork of the Parliament House, as well as a visit to the main attractions.

Budapest Parliament
Budapest Parliament © Zandart

The visitor route starts via the City Staircase XVII to the main floor. Then the old meeting room of the General Hall. This is where parliamentary sessions are held and laws are passed. The hall has very good acoustics and a multi-level carcass.

The next venue is the Main Hall, where sculptures of old Hungarian folk groups and crafts are on display. It is also home to Europe's largest hand-knotted carpet.

Next stop is the Dome Hall, where the Holy Crown is kept. The walk ends with a visit to the grand staircase.

Tips:

  1. You can buy tickets in the Visitors' Centre next to the Parliament Building. (GPS coordinates: 47.508498  19.046308) You can find more information about visits and the building here: Parliament Website.
  2. It is highly advisable to purchase your entry ticket ahead of time.
  3. The Hungarian Parliament is closed when in session and on the following public holidays: January 1, March 5, Easter Sunday and Monday, May 1, August 20, October 23, November 1, and December 24-26.
  4. The Budapest Card gives you free, unlimited public transport for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days, plus free admission to numerous museums, a complimentary tour, and discounts in many establishments in the city.

Every year on the feast of St Stephen, 20 August, the Holy Crown is open to the public free of charge. On this day, the Parliament is illuminated with beautiful lights for the evening fireworks display. On St Stephen's Day, the fireworks are the highlight of the day, visible from several bridges or even from the banks of the Danube.

 

 

Surroundings

The Budapest Parliament Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and it is surrounded by some of the most popular attractions in Budapest. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride along the Danube River, which stretches from the Parliament Building to the other side of the city. One of the most unique attractions near the Parliament Building is the "Shoes on the Bank of Danube" This memorial, created in 2005, consists of 60 pairs of cast iron shoes that commemorate the Jews who were killed during World War II and shot into the Danube. It serves as a reminder of the tragedy that happened in Hungary during that time. Other nearby attractions include the Hungarian State Opera House, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and the beautiful Chain Bridge.

 

Site location: Kossuth Square

GPS coordinates: 47.507070, 19.046938

Google Photos: Click here

 

For more information about Budapest Parliament visit the official website: Click here

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