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Budapest – Parliament

The Parliament sits next to the Danube River.  You are not likely to miss it.  It is a very large construction and no other structure on Pest side can actually be taller by regulation. It is located between the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge.

The view from Buda side is amazing and presents the front of the building reflecting in the water. Day or night, it is an awesome view. The main access to the parliament is via Kossuth Square on the other side of the building.

The parliament is recognized as a Hungarian symbol of democracy. It is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary.

The project was launched by Emperor Franz Joseph, under Austrian influence. It was inaugurated in 1896, opened in 1902 and fully completed in 1904. It took 17 years to achieve.

The building is gigantic but today only a small portion of the building is actually in use. There are more than 200 offices, 199 representatives, who are elected for a four-year term, and just less than 500 other rooms.  This is quite the undertaking to maintain, without mentioning the staircases, the elevators and of course all the passageways.

The building is an architectural masterpiece, a museum and an active workplace.

The Hungarian architect, Imre Steingl, unfortunately did not see the finished masterpiece  because he lost his eye sight and passed away 2 years prior the final completion.

While it was not our first visit, I wanted to see the place again. It is a very imposing structure. I consider the Hungarian Parliament Building to be a work of art. The parliament’s façade is facing the Danube, it is beautiful in every angle. The reflection on the river is unforgettable.

We had a nice gelato on the square while admiring the building. If you have young ones with you, there is a park with swings and modules nearby. Look for Honvéd tér.

On display and protected by guards, the royal crown of the 1st King of Hungary, King Stephen I, can be admired while on a tour.  

Please note that next to the water, Shoes on the Danube monument is worthy of a detour.

(Special thanks to J for reviewing most of Budapest posts)

For an overview of Budapest click here.

For all posts on Budapest/Hungary click here.

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  3. […] Water banks are known to be an excellent place to settle as a community.  Many major cities are in fact next to water.   Budapest is no exception, and its surroundings are picturesque.  From Buda Castle Hill, where there is an incomparable view of the mostly flat Pest side, to the Danube which includes the famous Parliament. […]

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