The
Parliament Budapest
Budapest's great Parliament building, completed in 1902,
was built to the eclectic design of Imre Steindl. It mixes a predominant
neo-Gothic style with a neo-Renaissance dome. Standing proudly on the Danube
bank, visible from almost any riverside vantage point, it has been from the
outset one of Budapest's symbols, though until 1989 a democratically elected
government had convened here exactly once (just after World War II, before the
Communist takeover). Built at a time of extreme optimism and national purpose,
the building was self-consciously intended to be one of the world's great houses
of Parliament, and it remains one of the largest state buildings in Europe. The
main cupola is decorated with statues of Hungarian kings.
On either side
of the cupola are waiting rooms leading into the respective houses of
Parliament. The members of Parliament are said to gather in these waiting rooms
during breaks in the session to smoke and chat -- note the cigar holders on the
side of the doors. The waiting room on the Senate side (blue carpet) is adorned
with statues of farmers, peasants, tradesmen, and workers. The figures that
decorate the waiting room on the Representatives' side (red carpet) are of
sailors, soldiers, and postal officials. The interior decor is predominantly
neo-Gothic. The ceiling frescoes are by Károly Lotz, Hungary's best-known fresco
artist. Note the large carpet from the small Hungarian village of
Békésszentandrás, which is purportedly the biggest handmade carpet in Europe.
The Parliament is also home to the legendary crown jewels of St. Stephen, which
were moved here from the National Museum as part of the Hungarian millennium
celebration
Opening Hours :
Tours are given Mon-Fri 10am and noon, 2pm (but not on
days in which Parliament is in session, which is usually Tues and Wed, or during
protocol events); Sat 4pm; Sun at 2pm
Prices :
60min. tour in English,
Adult 2300 Ft, Child
1150Ft
How to get there?
Take M2 (red)
underground and go to "Kossuth tér" station. If you are not on the line of the
M2, take any underground to "Deák tér" intersection and change to
M2
