All About The Hungarian Parliament

Contents

What is the Hungarian Parliament Building?

Built as a neo-gothic structure, the Hungarian House of Parliament (sometimes called Parliament of Budapest due to its location) stands tall on the banks of the Danube River. The centerpiece of Hungarian politics, it plays a crucial role in the country's democratic process. Designed by architect Imre Steindl in the 19th century, and completed in 1904, the building houses the National Assembly of Hungary, and has survived floods, bombings, and even political upheaval in the 20th century. A symbol of Hungary's resilience and strength, indeed.

Knowledge Graph

Official name: Hungarian Parliament Building

Location/Address: Budapest, Hungary

Date of opening: 1902

Timings: Daily tours from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Architect: Imre Steindl

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1987

Number of visitors per year: Approximately 500,000

Function: Houses the National Assembly of Hungary, and galleries and exhibitions center space.

Why Is The Hungarian Parliament Building A Must-Visit Attraction In Budapest?

Grandiose Architecture: The neo-gothic style and imposing stature of the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, loaded with history and culture, is the third-largest parliament in the world.

Royal Interiors: Marvel at the ornate interior decoration that includes impressive frescoes, masterful carpentry, and exquisite stained-glass windows, mostly by Hungarian architects and artists.

Crown Jewels: Marvel at the symbol of Hungary's sovereignty - the Holy Crown of Hungary - which is securely guarded and displayed inside the building.

Spectacular View: Take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the Danube River and the city skyline from the outdoor terrace. At night, all lit up, the city and monument look even more glamorous.

National Assembly: This is one of the few parliaments where you can watch the debates, and voting procedures of the Hungarian National Assembly if you happen to visit during a parliamentary session.

Plan Your Visit

Getting There

Opening Hours

The Hungarian Parliament Building is located in Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. It is situated on the bank of the Danube River and can easily be accessed by public transportation. Nearby landmarks include the Chain Bridge and the Buda Castle.

Address: Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Budapest, Hungary.

Getting Here: It is a short walk from the Chain Bridge and the Buda Castle. Alternatively, use public transport.

Metro: The Kossuth Lajos tér station on the M2 line is the nearest metro station to the Parliament Building.
Tram: The 2 and 47 trams stop at the Kossuth Lajos tér stop, which is a short walk from the Parliament Building.
Bus: The 15, 115, and 150 buses stop at the Kossuth Lajos tér stop, which is a short walk from the Parliament Building.

The Hungarian Parliament Building is open for visitors every day of the year except for some public holidays. The visiting hours are as follows:

General Timings:

From 8 AM to 4 PM, daily, from January to March, and November through December. It is also open at these times from Monday to Thursday in April.

From 8 AM to 6 PM, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, in April, and daily from May through October

Last Entry: The last tour can enter the building 45 minutes before closing.

Closed Day: The Hungarian Parliament Building is closed to visitors on January 1 (New Year's Day), March 15 (National Holiday), Easter Monday, May 1 (Labor Day), August 20 (St. Stephen's Day), October 23 (National Day of Hungary), December 25 (Christmas Day),

December 26 (Boxing Day) as well as on other days for official events or maintenance. It will be closed on July 3, 2023.

Who Built The Hungarian Parliament Building?

The Hungarian Parliament Building was designed by Imre Steindl, a Hungarian architect, with a fascination for Gothic design. The building, which has 691 rooms, 29 staircases and 10 courtyards, construction took 18 years (1885-1903) to be completed, and it reflects Steindl's unique style, blending neo-Gothic and Renaissance styles. He also designed a number of other buildings in Budapest, including the Hungarian National Museum and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Unfortunately, Steindl went blind in 1902, and tragically died before the building was opened, and entirely completed in 1904. It remains one of the most iconic buildings in the country, and globally.

What to See at the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest?

Architecture and Design

The entire building itself is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture, with towering spires, pointed arches, and intricate details. The dome is a prominent feature, adding to the grandeur of the structure.

Paintings

The Parliament Building houses a notable collection of paintings depicting various historical events, landscapes, and portraits of important figures. Gyula Benczúr, Bertalan Székely, Bertalan Székely, Tivadar Kosztka Csontváry are some of the artists whose works are at the Parliament.

Sculptures

Numerous sculptures are placed within the building, including statues of Hungarian monarchs, political leaders, and allegorical figures. You’ll find works of Alajos Strobl, Alajos Strobl and Alajos Strobl here, among others, of course.

Statues

Depicting important historical figures, the most famous statues are located in the Parliament's courtyard, and they include statues of King Saint Stephen, Lajos Kossuth, and Ferenc Deák.

Legislative Chambers

You could be lucky enough to also peek into The Lower House of the National Assembly, where Members of Parliament convene for debates and discussions. The Upper House (formerly the House of Magnates), is usually part of tours too, though it is not in use, currently.

Stained Glass Windows

The Hungarian Parliament House is home to some of the most beautiful stained glass paintings in the world. The windows were created by Miksa Roth, a renowned Hungarian artist, best known for his use of vibrant colors and intricate designs. The 100+ glass windows, made using a technique called Lead Came, which fuses pieces of glass together with lead strips, depict different scenes from Hungarian history or mythology.

Frescoes

These, like the paintings and stained glass windows, portray scenes from the country’s history and mythology. The most famous frescoes are located in the main hall of the Parliament, and they were painted by Károly Lotz, a renowned Hungarian artist. The frescos depict the coronation of King Saint Stephen, the arrival of the Magyars in Hungary, and the Battle of Mohács.

Crown Artifacts

The Hungarian House of Parliament also houses the Hungarian Crown Jewels, which are some of the most important artifacts in Hungarian history. The crown jewels include the Holy Crown of Hungary, the Coronation Sword, and the Orb. The crown jewels are on display in the Parliament's Crown Chamber, and they are a popular tourist attraction.

History of the Hungarian Parliament in a Nutshell

1873: Diet of Hungary (the governing body) decides to build a new parliament building to symbolize sovereignty and a national identity.

1885: Construction of the Hungarian Parliament House begins, designed by Imre Steindl in neo-Gothic style.

1896: Hungarian Parliament House is inaugurated on the 1,000th anniversary of the country's founding.

1902: Hungarian Parliament House is completed, posthumously for Imre Steindl.

1944: Hungarian Parliament House is damaged during World War II.

1945: Hungarian Parliament House is restored.

1989: Hungarian Parliament House becomes the seat of the newly-reformed Hungarian National Assembly.

1990s: Hungarian Parliament House represents hope and democracy during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of communism in Hungary.

Present: Hungarian Parliament House is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Hungarian democracy.

Architecture of the Hungarian Parliament

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a neo-Gothic-meets-Renaissance-style building with a symmetrical façade and a central dome (made from cast iron). The structure, made from white limestone and red brick, is decorated with statues, gargoyles, and features cultural, historical and political tales in the form of intricate stained glass windows, mosaics and frescoes. At 268 feet tall with 691 rooms, it is the third-largest parliament building in the world, after the Palace of Westminster in London and the Reichstag Building in Berlin.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hungarian Parliament Building

What is the history behind the Hungarian Parliament Building?

Built in the late 19th century, the Parliament Building is considered a national symbol of Hungary as it represents the country's independence and political power.

How long does a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building last?

A guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building lasts around 45 minutes to an hour.

Can I take pictures inside the Hungarian Parliament Building?

Yes, you are allowed to take pictures inside the Hungarian Parliament Building, but flash photography is not allowed during the tour.

Are there any restrictions for visitors to the Hungarian Parliament Building?

Visitors are required to go through a security check before entering the building. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside, and photography equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks are also prohibited.

How can I buy tickets for the Hungarian Parliament Building tour?

You can purchase tickets on-site, but it is recommended to book in advance through the official website to avoid long lines and ensure availability.

Is there an audio guide available for the Hungarian Parliament Building tour?

Yes, there is an audio guide available in various languages for an additional fee.

What is the best time to visit the Hungarian Parliament Building?

It's best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long lines.

Can I visit the Hungarian Parliament Building at night?

Is there a dress code for visiting the Hungarian Parliament Building?

There is no specific dress code, but visitors are advised to dress appropriately and avoid revealing clothing.

Can I visit the Hungarian Parliament Building for free?

Unfortunately, access to the Hungarian Parliament Building is not free, but the entrance fee is reasonable and worth the experience.