The Hungarian Parliament Building from across the Danube River
The Hungarian Parliament Building from across the Danube River

Budapest Parliament

Budapest Parliament leads all of the other buildings of Hungary in terms of height, beauty, and charisma.

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You probably are coming to Budapest. Right? Alternatively, are you doing some research on the city? Regardless of your reason for coming up here and paying some attention, I will glue you until the article ends. Hungary as if you know has been through many difficulties since the first tribe in 896 years stepped in. The good days bring joyful history and tough days some tough lessons. Apart from the exciting and involving account of the country, Hungary is blessed with some severe natural beauty.

The Hungarian Parliament Building in all its glory, as seen from Batthyány tér.
The Hungarian Parliament Building in all its glory, as seen from Batthyány tér.

The naturally talented resources and beauties shine more in with the addition of high, classical, and beautiful buildings. Budapest Parliament remains on the top in the list. Whoever shows up in this piece of land does not skip a tour. Missing out one means leaving the city unexplored. You should keep that in mind. Make the most of your resources. Value your hard-earned money and spend it smartly. Dedicate a full slot in your journey for the building and the unique experience. You will not leave without touching it. Instead, you may look for adjustment to prolong your time at this glamorous venue.

The History of Budapest Parliament

Ask about history; I can present bundles and bundles of information. Question me about the views; my collection of the adjectives may exhaust to define it justly. Investigate for the unique features; the list may not end. Budapest Parliament is a piece of heaven, to say the least. For you, to be able to digest easily, I have put the details in chunks and pieces. One is dedicated to the history, another to beauty, and so on. Come along us and do not miss any of the below-mentioned information. You will be both inspired and informed to the core.

Hungary started to regain the status of a sovereign country after the compromise with Austria in 1873. Entire Europe was investing a lot in architecture and history. Hungary, following the trend and celebrating the 1000th birthday did the ice-breaking for the making of the Budapest Parliament. Parliament is the most critical pillar of a democratic country, had to be the best architecture of the nation. It must be the most inspiring place of the whole of Hungary. Keeping the requirements in mind, the hands should have the skills and expertise to rise to the expectation.

Old picture of the Hungarian Parliament
Old picture of the Hungarian Parliament

Thus, the people called competition to select the architecture of this Budapest Building. The open tender invited each of the candidates to display their skills. All worked their level best. After a fierce competition, Imre Steindi, the Hungarian architect, won the battle and was awarded the project. He knew how critical his decisions could be. He knew he had a big responsibility on his shoulders. This made him study the structures of the parliament houses of other countries. Imre found Houses of Parliament in London the most inspiring one.

Interesting facts about the construction of the Budapest Paliament:

  • The construction work was completed in 1902; 17 years of hard work produced the glory.
  • Budapest Parliament stood tall. Tall enough to be named as the tallest building in the country. It was also big enough to be ranked third in the most significant parliament buildings in the world.
  • The architect who made this dream structure into reality could not see the building after it was finished. He lost his eyesight and left the world with his last creation in August 1902. Miserable it is. The building, which is on the verge to please your eyes, did not entertain its creator.

Interesting Information of The Budapest Parliament

You cannot avoid this place in your tour to one of the coolest cities in the world. Actually, none of the tourists misses it. Why should you? Thinking about any reason. Friend, you will not find any. Millions of people from each of the countries of the world visit the stunning city annually.

Note some interesting information about the building, and it will occupy a place in your heart.

In 1873, from three towns, Budapest was united, namely Buda, Óbuda, and Pest. Seven years later, the government decided to build a new, representative legislature, expressing the nation’s sovereignty. It was scheduled that the building faces the river.

Old map about the (then) newly united Budapest
Old map about the (then) newly united Budapest

There was an international competition, and Imre Steindl emerged as the winner; two other competitors ‘ plans were later also realized in the form of the Ethnographic MuseumThe Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture is also the realization of the architect’s dream. Both buildings face the Budapest Parliament Building.

Construction from the winning scheme began in 1885. Around 100,000 individuals were engaged in the construction, during which 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones and 40 kilograms (88 lb) of gold were used. The legislature has become unicameral since World War II, and now the state only utilizes a tiny part of the construction. A red star stood on top of the dome during the People’s Republic of Hungary, but it was withdrawn in 1990 after the collapse of communism.

The construction of the Hungarian Parliament
The construction of the Hungarian Parliament

The height of the Budapest Parliament is 96-meters. It equals to the only building which St. Stephen’s Basilica. The church is only five minutes away from the Parliament. This displays the royal fact of the Hungarian nation. They take both religion and worldly affairs as the most or say the equally important pillars for their success — no discrimination among these two. None can be prior than these two. Interesting. Isn’t it?

Most Expensive Buidling

Constructed in the Gothic Revival style, the Parliament Building has a symmetrical façade and a central dome. The dome is the architecture of the Renaissance Revival. It is also balanced from within the Parliament and therefore has two identical parliament halls, one for politics and the other for guided tours. It has a length of 268 m and a width of 123 m (404 ft.). Its interior involves ten courtyards, 13 elevators for passengers and freight, 27 doors, 29 staircases, and 691 rooms (including over 200 offices). Together with Saint Stephen’s Basilica, it is one of the two tallest structures in Budapest with a height of 96 m (315 ft). The number 96 relates to the millennium of the nation in 1896 and the subsequent conquest of the Hungarian Kingdom in 896.

Interior shot of the Hugarian Parliament
Interior shot of the Hugarian Parliament

The primary façade overlooks the Danube River, but on the east side of the construction, the formal main entrance is from the square. There are 242 carvings on the walls inside and outside. The façade shows statues of Hungarian rulers, Transylvanian leaders, and well-known military figures. Kings and dukes’ coats of arms are portrayed above the windows. Two lions are flanking the eastern staircase.

Shot of the lion statues guarding the Parliament
Shot of the lion statues guarding the Parliament

Visitors can walk up broad decorative stairs when they enter the Parliament, see frescoes on the ceiling, and pass by the architect’s bust, Imre Steindl, in a wall niche. The hendecagonal (sixteen-sided) main hall is one of the building’s renowned components, with enormous chambers surrounding it: the lower house and the upper house. The contemporary National Assembly is one-chambered and meets in the lower house, while the upper house serves as a meeting and conference room.

Since 2000, the Holy Crown of Hungary, which is also shown in Hungary’s coat of arms, has been shown in the central hall. Additional features include Miksa Róth’s stained glass and glass mosaics. The building is usually under refurbishment due to its large surface and detailed handicrafts.

Hungarian Holy Crown
Hungarian Holy Crown

Budapest Parliament has many other significant sections as well. There is a public library with as many as 500000 volumes, and it is understood that the shelves go up to the ceiling of the library. Books from the late 16th century are also available there. These books are only for you, the visitors; members of the Parliament do not use it.

Location of Budapest Parliamentt

The Parliament can be reached from the Kossuth Lajos Square station by the Budapest Metro Line 2 and by tramline 2. There is a memorial to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 on the east front of the building, as well as the imposing Kossuth Memorial and Francis II Rákóczi’s equestrian statue. As outlined in his poem By the Danube, a seated figure of Attila József occupies a place on the south lawn. The Martyrs ‘ Square (Vértanúk tere), with a statue of Imre Nagy, is instantly adjacent to Kossuth Square.

Exterior shot of the Parliament
Exterior shot of the Parliament

The iconic building is located at the Pest side of the lovely Danube River. The riverside view contributes significantly to the outfit. Since the day of completion, it has only inspired the visitors — each of the parts of the building ticks all of the standards of measuring beauty. You will validate the statement just after a quick glance at it. See the reviews on the internet. Ask those who have visited. The locals even do not get tired after going across it daily. One cannot ignore the greatness while passing by. You should respect the art. The skillful constructors deserve all praises and appreciations.

Hungarian Parliament Tour in Budapest Including Hotel Pick-Up

Do not miss the chance to take a tour of the fantastic Parliament House of the city, home of the Holy Hungarian Crown, when you are in Budapest. On a guided tour, you will find the most prominent building in Hungary and see some of the best architectural accomplishments in Budapest, such as the beautiful Session Room, the Great Vaulted Hall, and the fantastic main staircase.

Highlights­­:

  • Enjoy an intimate view of Hungary’s Parliament Building
  • Benefit from your specialist guide’s expertise
  • See the Hungarian Holy Crown, Great Vaulted Hall, and Session Room up close
  • Save time with easy pick-up from Budapest hotels

The tour starts at Hotel InterContinental (Apáczai Csere János u. 12–14, 1052 Budapest), please be there 10 minutes before the trip begins. It is also possible to pick up at other central Budapest Hotels, and it will be 30 minutes before the start of the tour, please advise the name and address of the hotel at check-out. Duration is 1h and 30 m.

Do not forget:

Remember to bring your passport or ID with you as you pass through the robust security system of Budapest Parliament.

Budapest: The Night Cruise along with Parliament View & Welcome Drink

Experience Budapest’s enlightened beauty from the Danube River with a welcome drink onboard (one glass of champagne or orange juice). It requires about 1 hour for the night cruise. Enjoy the incredible panorama from the sightseeing boat’s open terrace or indoor cabin. The trip begins with the Budapest Parliament’s fantastic perspective, that is over 120 years old.

Important things to know before the cruise:

  • There is no assignment of guaranteed seats.
  • Recorded audio commentary in English is accessible to let you know the Budapest Parliament’s most excellent information.
  • Departure point is Pier 1, near Budapest Batthyány tér.
  • It is not available to wheelchairs.
  • Stroller in the cruise is available.
  • Animals of service are permitted.
  • This cruise is accessible close to public transportation.
  • There will be no alcohol served to anyone under the age of 18. Tourists may need proof of age to provide alcohol

Watch the busy promenade of Pest fill with culinary delights, music, and life. As the evening cruise passes, the downtown bridges as Danube jewels shine through the night. Discover the Buda hills ‘ secrets, legends, and history. Make sure to capture the enchanting Castle of Buda as we return. The whole experience, however, needs excellent weather. If it is canceled owing to bad weather, a separate date or complete refund will be provided to you, and this facility makes it one of the best ways to visit Budapest Parliament.                                                                                          

Night cruise on the Danube
Night cruise on the Danube

Budapest Parliament Guide

The Visitors Center opens at 8 am, so you can get there soon enough to ask if tickets for that day are accessible. The tour is conducted through the construction, through the chambers of the Parliament and the main halls. It includes the changing history of the state of Hungary and the building’s architecture and history and significant events that took place on the adjacent square. The tour itself is guided and lasts about 45 minutes and finishes in an exhibit that dives into the details of the history of Budapest and more about the building’s architecture and history. The show was outstanding; it certainly took a while to read and look at the old pictures.

The Chain Bridge (Lánchíd) in Budapest

Statue of Ronald Reagan

The Soviet War Memorial, Ronald Reagan statue, and Liberty Square US Embassy are a five-minute walk from the Budapest Parliament. The monument of the Shoes on the Danube Bank is also less than a 5-minute walk from Budapest Parliament as you walk back along the river to Chain Bridge Budapest. Make sure to visit these places along with Budapest parliament!

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