A must see in Budapest - The Hungarian parliament

A Symbol of National Identity

Hungarian parliament building
Hungarian parliament, Budapest

The Hungarian Parliament Building, known locally as Országház, stands as a majestic symbol of Hungarian sovereignty, national pride, and architectural excellence. Situated on the banks of the Danube River in the heart of Budapest, it is not only the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary but also one of the largest and most beautiful parliamentary buildings in the world.

The Parliament Building was conceived during a pivotal moment in Hungary’s history. Following the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, Hungary gained more autonomy within the Habsburg Empire. The decision to build a grand Parliament structure reflected the nation's growing political significance and desire to assert its identity.

Construction Timeline

  • Design Competition: In 1880, a competition was held for the design. The winning architect was Imre Steindl, who submitted a Neo-Gothic plan inspired by the Palace of Westminster in London.
  • Construction Period: Work began in 1885 and was completed in 1904.
  • Inauguration: Although unfinished, the building was inaugurated in 1896 to celebrate the Millennium of Hungary, marking 1,000 years since the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin.

Architectural Marvel

Style and Influence

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture, although it incorporates elements from other styles as well, including:

  • Renaissance Revival in its symmetry and proportion.
  • Baroque elements in its ornate detailing.
  • A dome influenced by Neo-Renaissance design.

This stylistic fusion reflects Hungary’s diverse cultural heritage and its position at the crossroads of East and West.

Dimensions and Structure

  • Length: 268 meters (879 feet)
  • Width: 123 meters (404 feet)
  • Height: 96 meters (315 feet) – symbolically echoing the year 896 AD, the founding year of the Hungarian state.
  • No. of Rooms: Over 690
  • Staircases: 29
  • Windows: Approximately 10,000
  • Interior Floorspace: Around 18,000 square meters

Built using 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones, and 40 kilograms of gold, the building is a colossal feat of engineering and craftsmanship.

Interior Splendor

The Grand Staircase

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a grand staircase, flanked by red carpets, gold leaf-covered columns, and stained-glass windows designed by famous Hungarian artist Miksa Róth.

The Dome Hall

At the heart of the building lies the octagonal Dome Hall, one of the most sacred and symbolic spaces. It is under this dome that the Holy Crown of Hungary and other coronation regalia are displayed, guarded around the clock by soldiers of the Crown Guard.

Legislative Chambers

The building contains two identical legislative halls:

  • Lower House (today's National Assembly): Where the elected representatives convene.
  • Upper House (no longer in use): Hungary became a unicameral legislature in 1945.

Despite only one being in use, both chambers are maintained in pristine condition to preserve their historical integrity.

Artwork and Decoration

The Parliament is adorned with:

  • Frescoes and murals by famous Hungarian artists like Károly Lotz.
  • Stained glass and mosaics.
  • Statues of Hungarian rulers, Transylvanian leaders, and military heroes.

Cultural and Political Significance

The Holy Crown of Hungary

One of the Parliament’s most prized possessions is the Holy Crown, believed to have been used in the coronation of Saint Stephen, Hungary's first king, in the year 1000. The crown symbolizes the legitimacy and continuity of the Hungarian state.

National Ceremonies

The Parliament Building is the focal point of national holidays, such as:

  • March 15 – Commemorating the 1848 Revolution.
  • August 20 – Celebrating St. Stephen’s Day and Hungarian statehood.
  • October 23 – Remembering the 1956 Revolution.

A Witness to History

The building has seen both glory and tragedy. It withstood the ravages of World War II, the 1956 uprising, and decades of communist rule. Bullet holes from the 1956 revolution can still be seen in parts of Kossuth Square.

Nighttime Illumination

By night, the Parliament Building becomes a glowing beacon of light, reflected in the Danube’s waters. The nightly illumination transforms it into a breathtaking sight, making evening river cruises along the Danube a must-do experience in Budapest.

Interesting Facts

  • The building is perfectly symmetrical — even though only one chamber is in use, the other was built to mirror it for aesthetic balance.
  • The 96-meter height is legally protected: no building in Budapest can be taller, preserving the Parliament’s visual dominance.
  • During its construction, a subterranean heating system was installed — an advanced feature for its time.
  • It is among the top three largest parliamentary buildings in the world, after the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest and the Palace of Westminster in London.