Looking out from the vantage point of the Fisherman's Bastion across the Danube, the flat Pest skyline between the Margaret bridge and Lánchíd is dominated by only one building, the Országház (Houses of Parliament). But don’t just view it from afar; the building is much more interesting close-up.
Conceived and built for the millennium celebrations of 1896, the Imre Steindl design was only finished in 1902 (the year of his death). Inspired in part by the Palace of Westminster in London, its white neo-Gothic turrets and arches stretch for over 250m along the Danube embankment.
After the Austro-Hungarian Compromise in 1867, in which a dual monarchy was created, Hungary received more independence and the country wrote its own constitution. It also initiated the development of a parliament building. A competition for this project was officially started by the emperor Franz Joseph, and the design of Imre Steindl, in a neo-Gothic style, was chosen.
The Parliament was built between 1885 and 1902, and at that time, it was the largest parliamentary building in the world. The building has a length of 268me and is 118m wide. It contains nearly 20km of staircase and corridor and 691 rooms. The elegant dome has a height of 96m (precisely the same height as that of Saint Stephen’s Basilica).
The main style of the building is neo-Gothic with Renaissance influences, but the base ground plan is baroque. While it is extremely impressive from the outside, I strongly suggest a visit inside. A strong Byzantine influence is noticeable in the interior of the building, especially in the marvelously decorated staircase hall.
Group excursions take place when Parliament is not in session. Guided tours in English are held daily at 10am, 12, and 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at Gate X (Kossuth square side), and the visit lasts about 50 minutes. During the tour, the Main Staircase, the Dome Hall, the Coronation Jewels, the Deputy Council Chamber, or the former session room of the Upper House can be seen.
Here’s a handy tip particularly during the summer tourist season. To avoid long queues, visits can be booked by telephone, (36)1-441-4904; fax, (36)1-441-4801; or email, tourist.office@parlament.hu. For foreign citizens, the entrance tickets cost 2.300 Ft for adults and 1.150 Ft for students.