The Parliament

As you approach Budapest's Parliament building in Kossuth Lajos Square, you’ll be greeted by two imposing stone lions guarding the main entrance. This iconic structure has stood as one of Hungary’s most significant landmarks since the 19th century. While it was intended to be completed for Hungary’s millennial celebrations, delays meant construction extended beyond that symbolic target. Still, it was built during a defining period: the unification of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda into Budapest, and the adoption of Hungary’s 1949 constitution that marked the beginning of the People's Republic.

The Parliament building is rich in symbolism and grandeur. Its Gothic Revival architecture includes a central dome that reaches 96 meters high—a deliberate reference to the year 896, when the Magyar tribes first settled the Carpathian Basin. The scale of the structure speaks to the nation’s pride and ambition. With nearly 700 rooms, it took around 40 million bricks to construct, and the interior features lavish ornamentation, including 500,000 semi-precious stones and more than 40 kilograms of gold.

Both inside and out, the Parliament is adorned with 242 statues. On the façade, you'll find representations of Hungarian monarchs, Transylvanian princes, and historical military heroes.

The Parliament welcomes visitors with guided tours in many languages. One of the tour’s highlights is the stunning Dome Hall, where relics of King Saint Stephen are displayed, including his royal crown, sword, scepter, and orb. Another architectural marvel is the sixteen-sided central hall, connected to grand chambers used for legislative affairs. Even if you don’t venture inside, you can witness the ceremonial changing of the guards at the top of every hour in front of the main entrance. These guards also stand watch in the royal galleries inside.

The building has also witnessed dramatic moments in history. During a turbulent time, Speaker of the House István Tisza was shot three times by political opponents—bullet marks can still be seen on the chamber walls. In a separate incident, a drunken and exhausted soldier named György Palafalvi fell asleep on the building's porch and, dreaming of a Russian invasion, panicked and fired three shots. Fortunately, no one was harmed.

A final note of irony: Imre Steindl, the brilliant architect behind this masterpiece, lost his sight before the structure was completed—meaning he never got to see the monumental work he created.