BUDAPEST PARLIAMENT BUILDING

 Budapest Parliament Building is the third largest parliament building in the world with 691 rooms and 20 km long stairs reaching a height of 96 meters. The gigantic neo-gothic style building was actually only 100 years old, but was one of the important buildings in terms of architectural history. The building, which is beautiful enough to look at from afar, has a very beautiful location in the Pest part of the city, overlooking the Danube. The building, which is at the same height as the Saint Stephen's Basilica, was the tallest building in Budapest together with the basilica. This equality between the two symbolized the balance between religion and state affairs. In addition, the number 96 refers both to 1896, the date of establishment of Hungary in today's sense, and to the conquest of the Kingdom of Hungary in 896. The building, which is also actively used by the Hungarian parliament, also houses the royal jewels and the crown.

In the 1880s, a competition was held for the design of the new parliament building, and Imre Steindl's design came first in the competition. The building, which was started to be built in 1885 to be ready for 1896, the 1000th anniversary of the establishment of Hungary, was completed in 1902. 1000 people worked in the construction of the building and 40 million bricks, half a million valuable rock sand, 40 kilograms of gold were used. The designs that came in second and third place in the competition were also made to coincide with the Parliament Building. Today, these are the Ethnography Museum and the Ministry of Agriculture buildings.

During the communist regime, a huge red star hung across the building's dome and main tower. But later on, the star disappeared with the regime. Do not be surprised if you see scaffolding on the facade of the building. Unfortunately, air pollution was damaging the porous limestone walls of the building. This situation requires a continuous restoration work in the building.

The building, which is actually an example of Gothic architecture, has a symmetrical Renaissance-style façade and a dome. Today, only a small part of the building is actively used. One hall on two symmetrical facades is the parliament hall where politicians gather, and the hall on the other facade is open for touristic guided tours.

The royal crown has been on display in the main hall since 2000. In fact, the royal jewels have been stolen and lost many times throughout history. After the Second World War, the jewels transferred to Eastern Europe were taken under protection by the American Army in the Fort Knox bullion warehouse in Kentucky so that the Russians would not seize them during the Cold War. They were eventually extradited to Hungary in 1978.

In order to better appreciate the beauty and harmony of the building, it is better to look at it from afar. The best angle to see the Parliament Building is at Batthyány Square on the Buda side of the city. This place is only 1 stop away when you take the M2 metro line from Kossuth Square.

You can visit the Parliament Building on the dates when the parliament is not convened. Here you can see the main entrance, main hall, lobby, old lords' apartments and royal jewels in 1 hour. Click here to buy tickets for the guided walking tour, which also includes the Parliament Building.