Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament is one of the most spectacular buildings in Europe, a vast neo-Gothic palace bristling with spires and pinnacles along the Danube bank in Budapest, crowned by a great central dome. Part of the UNESCO Danube riverscape, its lavish interiors of gold, marble and stained glass, and the Hungarian crown jewels beneath the dome, are seen on a guided tour.

Background

Imre Steindl won an international competition with a neo-Gothic design, and another entry from the contest became the Ethnographic Museum, which faces the building. Work began in 1885, and the opening came in 1896 for what was taken as the country's 1,000th anniversary. The keys were handed over in 1902 and the work was done in 1904, by which time 40 kg of gold, half a million precious stones and 40 million bricks had gone into it. At 268 metres long and 123 metres wide, no building in Hungary is larger. Inside are 10 courtyards, 27 gates, 29 staircases and 691 rooms, and 242 sculptures adorn the walls. Its height of 96 metres refers to the millennium of 1896.

Source: Wikipedia, "Hungarian Parliament Building"

Highlights

• The riverfront facade - the vast neo-Gothic frontage best seen from across the Danube.
• The dome hall and crown jewels - the great hall holding the Holy Crown of Hungary.
• The grand staircase - the gilded ceremonial stairway and halls.
• The night view - the building floodlit and mirrored in the river.

When to go

Year-round; the interior is seen only on a guided tour, so book ahead as it sells out. The exterior is stunning by day from the Buda bank and floodlit at night.

Things to know

The interior is seen only on a timed guided tour that books up and is busy, so reserve early. Tours are relatively short. The exterior, especially from across the river or at night, is free and unforgettable.

Nearby

The Danube promenade, St Stephen's Basilica and the Shoes on the Danube memorial are nearby.

Key facts