Hungarian Parliament
Ideal: Ideal for architecture, city views, and first-time visitors to Budapest.
Built between 1885 and 1904, it is 268 meters long, has 691 rooms, and uses 40 kilograms of gold in its interior decoration. Its height of exactly 96 meters is no accident: it references the year 896 when Hungarians settled in the Carpathian Basin, and for a long time no building in Budapest was allowed to exceed that elevation. Architect Imre Steindl lost his sight before the building was finished. Hungary's Holy Crown is displayed in a case beneath the dome with a permanent guard.
Quick facts
- Built
- 20th century
- Opened
- 1904
- Architect
- Imre Steindl
- Architectural style
- Gothic Revival
- Height
- 96 m
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why was the parliament building made so large?
It was designed to assert Hungary's equal standing within Austria-Hungary. With 691 rooms it is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world, and its height of 96 m refers to the country's founding in 896.
Are there really cigar holders in the building?
Yes. Numbered cigar holders still line the corridors: smoking was banned in the chamber, so members left their cigars outside during sittings. A long speech was described as "a good cigar".
Why is the Holy Crown kept here?
Hungary's thousand-year-old royal crown is displayed in the dome hall. It was taken to the United States during the Second World War and held at Fort Knox until 1978, when it was returned.
Why go?
- To see Budapest's most striking architectural landmark
- To take in the classic city view along the Danube
- Because it is a powerful photo spot when lit at night
Travel tip
See the Parliament up close by day and watch its illuminated form from the opposite bank of the Danube in the evening.
