Discovering the Majestic Hungarian Parliament
If you're planning a trip to Budapest, one sight that should be at the top of your list is the building of the Hungarian Parliament. Let's uncover its rich history, stunning architecture, and fascinating details.
The Hungarian Houses of Parliament by the Danube river at night, source: www.unsplash.com
Address: H-1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3.
How to get there: The Hungarian House of Parliament is located in Pest, it takes an approximately 15 minutes walk from the Chain Bridge. It can be reached by tram No. 2 or by underground line M2, getting off, in both cases at Kossuth Lajos tér station.
Visitor Centre: (same-day ticket sales, café, restrooms, etc.): https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
Opening hours: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors/opening-hours
The entrance of the Visitor Center, located on the right hand side of the Houses of Parliament, when viewed from Kossuth Lajos square, source: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
Important information, dress code and code of conduct: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors/important-information
Important note on ticket purchase:
Same-day tickets can be purchased in limited numbers at the ticket office in the Visitor Center. (Please note that purchasing tickets on the spot might take a considerable amount of time.)
Advance tickets are not available at the ticket office in the Visitor Center, only online at www.jegymester.hu/parlament. Groups are welcome to visit by booking tickets in advance.
Please be advised that the official site for ticket sales to visit the the House of Parliament is https://jegymester.hu/event-host/900/parlament
For official ticket prices please check: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors/ticket-prices
Guided Tours: tourist.office@parlament.hu
The 45-minute guided tour of the Parliament building is available with an audioguide or a professional tour guide in Hungarian, English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish. Other guided tours exclusively with an audioguide are available in several other languages.
A Stroll Through History
The Hungarian Parliament (Országház in Hungarian) is more than just a building - it's a symbol of national pride and political heritage. Constructed between 1885 and 1904, this majestic structure was born out of a need to accommodate the burgeoning governance of Hungary following the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867. The country was experiencing a period of rapid development and modernization, and the need for a grand parliamentary building became apparent.
The design competition for the new Parliament building was fierce, with many renowned architects submitting their visions. In the end, Imre Steindl's design was chosen. The House is awe-inspiring in its sheer dimensions: its width at its broadest point is 123 metres and its wing parallel to the Danube is 271 metres long. It boasts an impressive dome height of 96 metres. The House is a mixture of various architectural styles and motifs: its floor plan is Baroque, its facade bears Gothic ornamentation, and its ceilings are decorated in Renaissance style. Sadly, Steindl never saw his masterpiece completed; he passed away just before its completion.
Architectural Splendor of the Hungarian Houses of Parliament
Standing proudly on the banks of the Danube River, the Parliament building is an awe-inspiring sight. Its Gothic Revival architecture, with a touch of Renaissance influence, makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in Europe. It’s no wonder that it’s often compared to the British Houses of Parliament in London.
The building has four levels and a total floor space of around 18,000 square metres. It is 473,000 cubic metres in volume, big enough for 50 five-storey apartment buildings. Around 40 million bricks and 30,000 cubic metres of carved stones were used for the construction. The facades are graced by 90 stone statues, depicting the great forefathers of Hungarian history. The other parts of the House also have an additional 152 statues. The building includes 10 inner light wells, 14 lifts and hundreds of offices. The rooms are connected through a seemingly unfathomable system of corridors. Its red carpets stretch around 3 kilometres in length.
One of the most striking features of the building is its symmetry and proportions. The structure stretches 268 meters in length and 123 meters at its widest point, covering an area of 18,000 square meters. The central dome, which reaches a height of 96 meters, not only adds to its grandeur but also holds symbolic significance, commemorating the year 896 when the Magyars settled in the Carpathian Basin.
The Central Dome of the Hungarian Houses of Parliament, with its 96m height, source: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
A Closer Look Inside of the Hungarian Houses of Parliament
The Parliament building is not just impressive from the outside; the interior is equally breathtaking. With 691 rooms, 10 courtyards, and 29 staircases, it’s a labyrinth of history and elegance. The opulent decoration inside includes 40 kilograms of gold, intricate frescoes, stained glass windows, and ornate statues.
The home of Hungarian legislation boasted the latest technological innovations. The roof structure was made of steel using state-of-the-art technology of the time. Its central heating and cooling system, among the most modern of its day in Europe, still functions perfectly today after some renovation. The gas lighting system was complemented with electric lighting. Many rooms were fitted with clocks controlled by a single, central mechanism. A modern fire extinguishing system and a telephone system were also installed in the building.
The Library has more than 500 thousand books and the European Council documentation center. The offices of the Prime Minister, where press conferences and congresses take place, are located on the north side of the building; on the north-east side of the parliament there are the offices of the President of the Chamber, while on the south side of the building there are the offices of the President of the Republic.
One of the highlights is the Grand Stairway, which welcomes visitors with its regal red carpet and stunning ceiling frescoes. As you ascend, you can almost feel the presence of Hungary’s historical figures who have walked these steps. Imre Steindl used baroque and renaissance elements to shape the majestic stairs leading to the dome; the stairs are adorned by majestic tapestry as well as works of art made by Hungarian artists such as Mihály Munkácsy, Károly Lotz, Aladár Kriesch, Zsigmond Vajda, Béla Spányi.
The Grand Stairway with 96 steps, source: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
The Dome Hall, located beneath the central dome, is another must-see. This hall is home to the Holy Crown of Hungary, the coronation crown used for centuries to crown Hungarian kings. The crown, along with the royal scepter and orb, is guarded by the Crown Guard in this very room. The dome itself is adorned with statues of Hungarian rulers and leaders, watching over the nation’s legislative process.
The Dome Hall beneath the central dome, housing the Holy Crown of Hungary, source: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
The Holy Crown of Hungary, the sword, the scepter, and the globus cruciger (orb) that belonged to the Hungarian sovereigns, source: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
The Heart of Hungarian Democracy
The Hungarian Houses of Parliament is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. It’s here that the elected representatives gather to debate and pass laws. The main assembly hall is an impressive space with wooden paneling, plush seating, and an atmosphere of gravitas.
The National Assembly Hall of the Hungarian Houses of Parliament, source: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
One interesting aspect of the Parliament’s operation is the tradition of the speaker’s bell. Unlike many other parliamentary systems where a gavel is used, in Hungary, the speaker uses a small bell to call the house to order. It’s a charming detail that highlights the unique traditions of Hungarian governance.
The Assembly Hall of the Hungarian Houses of Parliament with the speaker’s bell, source: https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
Fun Facts and Hidden Gems
Now, let’s dive into some lesser-known facts and quirky tidbits about this iconic building:
Inspired by an English Model: While the Hungarian Parliament is distinctly unique, it was partially inspired by the Palace of Westminster in London. Both buildings share the neo-Gothic style and riverside locations.
Symbolism in Numbers: The number 96 is significant in the building’s design, not only in the height of the central dome but also in the number of steps leading up to it. This is a nod to the year 896, symbolizing the founding of Hungary.
A Building of Two Halves: Originally, the building was designed with two identical legislative chambers – one for the House of Lords and one for the House of Commons. Today, the National Assembly uses only one of these chambers for its sessions.
Parliament by Night: The Parliament building is particularly stunning at night when it’s beautifully illuminated. The reflection of the lit-up structure in the Danube River creates a picture-perfect scene that’s a favorite among photographers.
Architectural Challenges: During construction, the builders faced numerous challenges, including the unstable ground along the riverbank. To overcome this, they drove over 2,000 wooden piles into the ground to provide a stable foundation.
A Building for the People: Despite its grandeur, the Parliament building is accessible to the public. Guided tours are available in multiple languages, providing a fascinating insight into the building’s history, architecture, and current function.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit the Hungarian Houses of Parliament, here are a few tips to make the most of your trip:
Book Tickets in Advance: Tours can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended.
Bring ID: Security is tight, and visitors are required to present a valid ID before entering.
Dress Appropriately: While there’s no strict dress code, it’s a place of national significance, so dress respectfully.
Photography: You’re allowed to take photos in most areas, but flash photography is typically prohibited.
In conclusion, the Hungarian Houses of Parliament is not just an architectural marvel but a living, breathing symbol of Hungary’s rich history and vibrant democracy. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this magnificent building is sure to leave a lasting impression, make sure to include it in your Budapest itinerary.
