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{{Short description|Seat of the National Assembly of Hungary}}
[[Image:Budapest Parliament 4604.JPG|thumb|Hungarian Parliament]]
{{Infobox building
[[Image:Budapest Parlament.png|thumb]]
| name = Hungarian Parliament Building
[[Image:Hungarian Parlament.jpg|thumb|The Parliament from above]]
| native_name = Országház
[[Image:Hungarian_Parliament_Stairwell.jpg|thumb|Grand Stairwell]]
| native_name_lang = hu
[[Image:Budapest Parliament.jpg|thumb]]
| image = Budapest Országház (31355012995).jpg
[[Image:Parlament Budapest2.jpg|thumb]]
| image_size = 270px
[[Image:Budapest Parliament, Conference Hall.JPG|thumb|Conference Hall]]
| image_alt =
| image_caption = The main façade as seen from the [[Danube]]
| building_type = [[Parliament]]
| architectural_style = [[Gothic Revival]], [[Baroque architecture|baroque]], [[Renaissance architecture|renaissance]]
| location = [[Budapest]], Hungary
| coordinates = {{Coord|47|30|25|N|19|02|44|E|region:HU_type:landmark|display=inline, title}}
| current_tenants = [[National Assembly (Hungary)|National Assembly of Hungary]]
| years_built = 1885–1904
| height = {{cvt|96|m|ft|0}}
| other_dimensions = Width: {{cvt|123|m|ft|0}} <br> Length: {{cvt| 268 |m|ft|0}}
| floor_count = 4
| floor_area = {{cvt|18000|m2|sqft|-2}}
| elevator_count = 13
| grounds_area =
| architect = [[Imre Steindl]]
| rooms = 691
| parking =
| website = {{URL|https://latogatokozpont.parlament.hu/en/home|latogatokozpont.parlament.hu}}
| embed =
| embedded =
| references = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://dailynewshungary.com/101-things-didnt-know-hungarian-parliament/ |title=10+1 things you didn't know about the Hungarian Parliament |author=Béni, Alexandra |date=13 June 2017 |website=Daily News Hungary |access-date=29 June 2019 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410141658/https://dailynewshungary.com/101-things-didnt-know-hungarian-parliament/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.budapestinfo.org/parliament/ |title=Parliament |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=Budapest Info |access-date=29 June 2019 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121080900/http://www.budapestinfo.org/parliament/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/secrets-of-the-hungarian-parliament-building/index.html |title=The secrets and symbols of Hungary's Parliament building |author=Kay, Nathan |date=3 January 2019 |website=CNN Travel |publisher=CNN |access-date=29 June 2019 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410141656/https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/secrets-of-the-hungarian-parliament-building/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://latogatokozpont.parlament.hu/en/az-orszaghaz-leirasa |title=The House of Parliament |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=House of Parliament Visitor Center |publisher=Hungarian National Assembly |access-date=29 June 2019 |archive-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505092916/https://latogatokozpont.parlament.hu/en/az-orszaghaz-leirasa |url-status=live }}</ref>
| footnotes =
}}
{{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
|child = no
|Official_name = Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
|ID = 400
|Year = 2002
|Criteria = Cultural: ii, iv
|Area = 473.3 ha
|Buffer_zone = 493.8 ha
}}


The '''Hungarian Parliament Building''' ({{langx|hu|[[:wiktionary:Országház|Országház]]}} {{IPA-hu|ˈorsaːkhaːz|}}, {{Literal translation|House of the Country|House of the Nation}}), also known as the '''Parliament of Budapest''' after its location,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Hungarian Parliament Building |url=http://parlamentobudapest.com/en/ |work=Parlamento Budapest |date=2016 |access-date=8 April 2016 |archive-date=24 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524033536/http://parlamentobudapest.com/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref> is the seat of the [[National Assembly of Hungary]], a notable [[landmark]] of [[Hungary]], and a popular tourist destination in [[Budapest]]. It is situated on [[Kossuth tér|Kossuth Square]] in the [[Pest, Hungary|Pest]] side of the city, on the eastern bank of the [[Danube]]. It was designed by Hungarian architect [[Imre Steindl]] in [[Gothic Revival architecture|neo-Gothic]] style and opened in 1902.<ref name="DK"/> It has been the largest building in Hungary since its completion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parliament |url=http://en.budapestinfo.hu/sightseeing/item/26-parliament.html |work=Budapest Info |date=4 March 2015 |access-date=8 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913115614/http://en.budapestinfo.hu/sightseeing/item/26-parliament.html |archive-date=13 September 2015}}</ref> The architectural style of the Hungarian parliament building was influenced by the gothic [[Vienna City Hall]], and the renaissance elements like the cupola was influenced by the Maria vom Siege church in Vienna.<ref>The perfect Parliament article of the [[Daily Mail]]. Link:[https://www.pressreader.com/uk/daily-mail/20210803/282810719321569]</ref>
The '''Hungarian Parliament Building''' ({{lang-hu|Országház}}) is the seat of the [[National Assembly of Hungary]], one of the world's greatest legislative buildings, a notable landmark of Hungary and a popular tourist destination of [[Budapest]]. It lies in [[Kossuth Lajos tér|Kossuth Lajos Square]], right on the bank of the [[Danube]], at [[Budapest]]


==History==
==History==


[[File:Divald országház 1905-27.jpg|thumb|Parliament Building in 1905]]
Budapest was united from three cities in 1873 and seven years later the [[National Assembly of Hungary|National Assembly]] resolved to establish a new, representative Parliament Building, expressing the sovereignty of the nation. A competition was published, which was won by [[Imre Steindl]], but the plans of the other two competitors were also realized, facing the Parliament: one serves today as the Ethnographical Museum, the other as the Ministry of Agriculture.


[[Budapest]] was united from three cities in 1873, namely [[Buda]], [[Óbuda]], and [[Pest, Hungary|Pest]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://brill.com/view/book/edcoll/9789004307674/B9789004307674-s005.xml |format=XML |title=Buda, Obuda, and Pest |chapter=Buda before Buda: Óbuda and Pest as Early Centers |date=January 2016 |pages=69–91 |publisher=Brill |doi=10.1163/9789004307674_005 |isbn=9789004307674 |access-date=22 April 2019 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410141656/https://brill.com/view/book/edcoll/9789004307674/B9789004307674-s005.xml |url-status=live }}</ref> Seven years later, the [[Diet of Hungary|Diet]] resolved to establish a new, representative parliament building, expressing the sovereignty of the nation. The building was planned to face the Danube River. An international competition was held, and [[Imre Steindl]] emerged as the victor;<ref name="DK">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l1cjeAmXKQgC&pg=PA8 |pages=8–9 |title=DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide: Budapest |author=Craig Turp |publisher=Dorling Kindersley Ltd |year=2010 |isbn=9781405353076 |access-date=2020-09-24 |archive-date=2021-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410141656/https://books.google.com/books?id=l1cjeAmXKQgC&pg=PA8 |url-status=live }}</ref> the plans of two other competitors were later also realized in the form of the [[Ethnographic Museum (Budapest)|Ethnographic Museum]] and the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, both facing the Parliament Building. One reason that Steindl's proposal was chosen is that his neo-Gothic plans bore a strong resemblance with the [[Palace of Westminster]] in London. Leading Hungarian politicians of the 19th century found it extremely important that the country's new parliament building should symbolise their commitment to Western Europe, especially Britain, the country Hungarian reformers considered a political role model. Construction from the winning plan was started in 1885, and the building was inaugurated on the [[Principality of Hungary#History|presumed 1,000th anniversary]] of the country in 1896. With the keys to the building being handed over in 1902,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electing Members of the National Assembly |url=https://parlament.hu/web/house-of-the-national-assembly/election-of-the-members-of-parliament |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=House of the National Assembly |language=en-GB}}</ref> however, it was not fully completed until 1904.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Országház építése |url=http://egykor.hu/budapest-v--kerulet/orszaghaz-epitese/4018 |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=egykor.hu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327205143/http://egykor.hu/budapest-v--kerulet/orszaghaz-epitese/4018 |archive-date=Mar 27, 2022 }}</ref> The architect of the building first went blind and later died before the building's completion.
The construction of the winner's plan was started in [[1885]], inaugurated in the [[millennium]] anniversary of the country in 1896, and was completed in [[1904]]. (It is to be noted that the architect of the building went blind before its completion, similarly to [[Ludwig van Beethoven|Beethoven]] who composed his late works deaf, and he could not live up to the completion of his plan.)


There were a thousand people working on it on average; 40 million [[brick]]s, half a million [[gemstone|precious stone]]s and 40 kg [[gold]] were used during the construction.
About 100,000 people were involved in its construction, {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} during which 40 million [[brick]]s, half a million [[gemstone|precious stone]]s and {{cvt|40|kg}} of [[gold]] were used.<ref>{{Cite web |title=House of Parliament - Visitors - Országgyűlés |url=https://www.parlament.hu/web/visitors/house-of-parliament |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Visitors |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Since [[World War II]], the legislature has been [[unicameral]], and today the government uses only a small portion of the building, with the other wing occasionally serving to house events. During the [[People's Republic of Hungary]], a [[red star]] perched on the top of the dome, but it was removed in 1990 after the [[End of communism in Hungary (1989)|fall of communism]]. [[Mátyás Szűrös]] declared the Hungarian Republic from the balcony facing [[Kossuth Lajos Square]] on 23 October 1989.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://bbj.hu/budapest/culture/history/30-years-of-freedom-third-times-a-charm-the-hungarian-republic-reborn |title=30 Years of Freedom - Third Time's a Charm: The Hungarian Republic Reborn |journal=Budapest Business Journal |date=8 May 2020 |access-date=3 August 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185139/https://bbj.hu/budapest/culture/history/30-years-of-freedom-third-times-a-charm-the-hungarian-republic-reborn |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Features==
==Features==
[[File:Hungarian Parliament Building by AKW.jpg|alt=Hungarian Parliament Building|thumb|Parliament Building in 2019]]
[[File:Hungarian Parliament Building (Night) by AKW.jpg|alt=Riverside of the Hungarian Parliament Building at night|thumb|Riverside of the Hungarian Parliament Building at night]]
[[File:Budapest Parliament Building .jpg|thumb|Court yard side of the Budapest Parliament Building at night.]]
The Parliament Building is built in the [[Gothic Revival]] style; it has a symmetrical façade and a central dome. The dome is [[Renaissance Revival architecture]].<ref name=Steves>{{cite book |first1=Rick |last1=Steves |first2=Cameron |last2=Hewitt |title=Rick Steves' Budapest |date=2009 |publisher=Avalon Travel Publishing |isbn=978-1-59880-217-7 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781598802177}}</ref> The parliament is also largely symmetrical from the inside, with two identical parliament halls on the opposing sides of the building. One of the two halls is still in use today for sessions of the [[Hungarian National Assembly]], the other for ceremonies, conferences, and guided tours. It is {{cvt|268|m}} long and {{cvt|123|m}} wide. Its interior includes 10 courtyards, 13 passenger and freight [[elevator]]s, 27 gates, 29 [[stairway|staircases]] and 691 rooms (which includes more than 200 offices). With its height of {{cvt|96|m}}, it was one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest, along with [[Saint Stephen's Basilica]], until the [[MOL Campus]] topped out in 2021. The number 96 refers to the nation's millennium, 1896, and the conquest of the later [[Kingdom of Hungary]] in 896.


The main façade overlooks the [[Danube]], but the official main entrance is from the square on the east side of the building. Inside and outside, there are altogether 242 sculptures on the walls. The façade displays statues of [[List of Hungarian rulers|Hungarian rulers]], [[List of Transylvanian rulers|Transylvanian leaders]], and famous military figures. The [[coat of arms|coats of arms]] of kings and dukes are depicted over the windows. The eastern staircase is flanked by two lions. When entering the Parliament Building, visitors can walk up great ornamental stairs, see [[fresco]]es on the ceiling, and pass by the bust of the architect Imre Steindl in a wall niche. Other statues include those of [[Árpád]], [[Stephen I of Hungary|Stephen I]] and [[John Hunyadi]]. The building features [[stained glass]] and glass mosaics by [[Miksa Róth]].
Similar to the [[British Houses of Parliament|Palace of Westminster]], it was built in a [[Gothic Revival]] style. It is 268 m long and 123 m wide. Its interior includes 10 courtyards, 13 passenger and freight [[elevator]]s, 27 gates, 29 [[stairway|staircases]] and 691 rooms (out of them, more than 200 office rooms). With its height of 96 m, it is one of the tallest buildings of Budapest, along with [[Saint Stephen's Basilica]]. The number 96 refers to the nation's millennium, 1896, and the conquest of the later [[Kingdom of Hungary]] in 896.


One of the most famous parts of the building is the [[Polygon|hexadecagonal (sixteen-sided)]] central hall, with huge chambers adjoining it: the Lower House and the Upper House. The modern [[National Assembly of Hungary|National Assembly]] is [[unicameral]] and meets in the Lower House, while the Upper House is used as a conference and meeting room. The [[Holy Crown of Hungary]], which is also depicted in [[coat of arms of Hungary|Hungary's coat of arms]], has been displayed in the central hall since 2000. Due to its extensive surface and detailed handiwork, the building is almost always under renovation.
The main façade is the one facing the Danube, but the official main entrance is from the square in front of it. Inside and outside, there are altogether 242 sculptures on the walls.


==Accessibility and neighbourhood==
On the façade, statues of [[List of Hungarian rulers|Hungarian rulers]], [[List of Transylvanian rulers|Transylvanian leaders]] and famous military people are to be seen. Over the windows, there are pictures of [[coat of arms|coats of arms]] of kings and dukes. The main entrance is the stairs located on the eastern side, bordered by two lions.
{{See also|Lajos Kossuth Square}}
The Parliament is accessible via [[Line 2 (Budapest Metro)|Line 2]] of the [[Budapest Metro]] and line 2 of the [[Trams in Budapest|Budapest tram system]], from the Kossuth Lajos Square station.
At the east front of the building is a memorial to the [[1956 Hungarian Revolution]], as well as the imposing [[Kossuth Memorial]] and the equestrian statue of [[Francis II Rákóczi]]. A seated statue of [[Attila József]] as described in his poem ''By the Danube'' occupies a site on the south lawn. Martyrs' Square ''(Vértanúk tere)'' is immediately adjacent to Kossuth Square, with a statue of [[Imre Nagy]].


==Postage stamps==
When entering the Parliament, the visitor can proceed on gigantic ornamental stairs, see [[fresco]]es on the ceiling and pass by the bust of the creator, Imre Steindl in a niche of the wall. Other statues include those of [[Árpád]], [[Stephen I of Hungary|Stephen I]] and [[John Hunyadi]].
The building is featured on more than 50 postage stamps issued by Hungary during 1917–1921, including ones issued in 1917,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://colnect.com/en/stamps/stamp/190089-Parliament_building-Parliament_building-Hungary |title=Stamp: Parliament building (Hungary) (Parliament building) Mi:HU 200,Sn:HU 119,Yt:HU 175,AFA:HU 175 |website=Colnect.com |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref> 1919,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://colnect.com/en/stamps/stamp/190128-Parliament_building-Parliament_building-Hungary |title=Stamp: Parliament building (Hungary) (Parliament building) Mi:HU 253b,Sn:HU 189,Yt:HU 231,AFA:HU 231B |website=Colnect.com |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref> 1920,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://colnect.com/en/stamps/stamp/190150-Parliament_building-Parliament_building-Hungary |title=Stamp: Parliament building (Hungary) (Parliament building) Mi:HU 317,Sn:HU 188,Yt:HU 230,AFA:HU 230 |website=Colnect.com |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref> and 1921.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://colnect.com/en/stamps/stamp/442832-Parliament_Building_triangular_punching-Parliament_building-Hungary |title=Stamp: Parliament Building, triangular punching (Hungary) (Parliament building) Mi:HU 203L |website=Colnect.com |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref>


== Gallery ==
One of the famous parts of the building is the [[Polygon|hexadecagonal (sixteen-sided)]] central hall, with huge chambers adjoining it: the Lower House (today the [[National Assembly of Hungary|National Assembly]] meets here) and the Upper House (until 1945).
=== Interior ===
<gallery>
File:Budapest parlament interior 9.jpg|Interior of one of the rooms in the building
File:Hungarian Parliament Building Upper House 2015.JPG|Assembly hall of the National Assembly of Hungary
File:Parliament Building, Budapest, inside.jpg|The main staircase of the parliament building
File:Hungarian Parliament Building 2015 13.JPG|Another view of the main staircase
File:Crown, Sword and Globus Cruciger of Hungary2.jpg|The [[Holy Crown of Hungary]] can be found in the central hall
Olvasoterem ogyk.jpg|Legislative library
File:Парламент в разрезе.jpg|Model found inside the building
</gallery>


=== Exterior ===
Further sights include the [[stained glass]] and glass mosaic paintings by [[Miksa Róth]].
<gallery>
File:Orszaghaz Budapest.jpg
File:Hungarian Parliament Building by AKW.jpg|Exterior view of the Hungarian Parliament seen from [[Kossuth Square]]
File:Hungarian Parliament Building (Night) by AKW.jpg|Exterior view of the Hungarian Parliament at night seen from the banks of the [[Danube]] river
File:Exterior view - daytime.jpg|Exterior view in daytime, from a Danube River cruise
File:2 Budapest Parliament Blue Hour 7R303385-2560.jpg|Exterior view in the blue hour
File:Parliament Building, 2016 Budapest, Lipótváros, Hungary - panoramio.jpg|View of the building at night, from the [[Halászbástya |Fisherman’s Bastion]]
File:Hungarian Parlament.jpg|View of the rear façade
File:East façade of the Hungarian Parliament Building (Országház) at night.jpg|East façade at night
File:Zgrada mađarskog parlamenta.JPG|Rear entrance doors
File:Az Országház Pest felől légi fotón.jpg|Aerial of the rear façade
File:Az Országház a Duna felől, fentről fényképezve.jpg|Aerial of the main façade
File:Hungary-02382 - Statue of Andrassy Gyla (31801365733).jpg|Statue of [[Gyula Andrássy]] near the south side of the building
File:Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér, Országház, Parlament, 13.jpg
</gallery>


=== Stamps ===
Due to its extensive surface and its minute details, it is almost constantly under renovation. However, the renovation of its central part was finished in the summer of 2005, scaffolding was removed for a few months and this part can be seen white again. Renovation was resumed in the autumn of 2005; new covering materials and methods are hoped to be more resistant to weather.

==Accessibility, neighbourhood==
{{main|Lajos Kossuth Square}}
The Parliament is accessible with the 2nd line of the [[Budapest Metro]], from the Lajos Kossuth Square station. Entrance is free for those coming from [[European Union|EU]] countries and affordable for others as well.

In front the building, a [[1956 Hungarian Revolution]] memorial is to be found, as well as the imposing [[Kossuth Memorial]] and the equestrian statue of [[Francis II Rákóczi]]. There is also a sitting statue of [[Attila József]] at the side of the Parliament, as described in his poem ''By the Danube''. Martyrs' Square ''(Vértanúk tere)'' is immediately adjacent to Kossuth Square, with a statue of [[Imre Nagy]].

==Image Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:1918 Balaton Ederics 75filler.jpg|A 1918 stamp with the parliament building
Image:Budapest Parlament1.jpg
File:1918 Györ 2korona.jpg|A 1918 stamp with the parliament building
Image:Parlament Budapest.jpg
Image:Parlament Budapest3.jpg
Image:Hungary.Budapest.Orszaghaz.jpg
Image:Budapest Parliament conference hall.jpg|Conference Hall
Image:Budapest Parlament2.jpg
Image:BP parliament at night BÅn.JPG
Image:Budapest parlament1.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
*[[Austrian Parliament Building]]


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons2|Parliament (Hungary)}}
{{Commons|Országház|Hungarian Parliament Building}}
*[https://www.parlament.hu/en/web/house-of-the-national-assembly Parliament site]
*[http://www.mkogy.hu/parl_en.htm House of the Nation: Information system of the Hungarian National Assembly]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060707184444/http://www.mkogy.hu/parl_en.htm House of the Nation: Information system of the Hungarian National Assembly]
{{coor title dms|47|30|25|N|19|2|44|E|type:landmark|region:HU_type:landmark}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140502190838/http://budapesttimes.hu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Parlament_New_Old.jpg Assembly hall for 199 and formerly 386 Members of Parliament]
* [http://www.xs4all.nl/~are/pub/octogon_budapest/toth_new_parlament_design.htm The New Hungarian Parliament]

{{Budapest}}
{{World Heritage Sites in Hungary}}
{{Danube}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Politics of Hungary|Parliament]]
[[Category:Politics of Hungary|Parliament]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Budapest|Parliament]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Budapest|Parliament]]
[[Category:Legislative buildings|Hungary]]
[[Category:Legislative buildings in Europe|Hungary]]
[[Category:Government buildings completed in 1904]]

[[Category:Seats of national legislatures]]
[[bg:Унгарски парламент]]
[[Category:Landmarks in Hungary]]
[[de:Parlamentsgebäude (Budapest)]]
[[Category:Government buildings with domes]]
[[eo:Parlamentejo (Budapeŝto)]]
[[Category:1904 establishments in Hungary]]
[[he:בניין הפרלמנט ההונגרי]]
[[hu:Országház]]
[[nl:Hongaars parlementsgebouw]]
[[ro:Parlamentul Ungar]]

Latest revision as of 19:35, 2 November 2024

Hungarian Parliament Building
Országház
The main façade as seen from the Danube
Map
General information
TypeParliament
Architectural styleGothic Revival, baroque, renaissance
LocationBudapest, Hungary
Coordinates47°30′25″N 19°02′44″E / 47.50694°N 19.04556°E / 47.50694; 19.04556
Current tenantsNational Assembly of Hungary
Year(s) built1885–1904
Height96 m (315 ft)
Dimensions
Other dimensionsWidth: 123 m (404 ft)
Length: 268 m (879 ft)
Technical details
Floor count4
Floor area18,000 m2 (193,800 sq ft)
Lifts/elevators13
Design and construction
Architect(s)Imre Steindl
Other information
Number of rooms691
Website
latogatokozpont.parlament.hu
References
[1][2][3][4]
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official nameBudapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
CriteriaCultural: ii, iv
Reference400
Inscription2002 (26th Session)
Area473.3 ha
Buffer zone493.8 ha

The Hungarian Parliament Building (Hungarian: Országház [ˈorsaːkhaːz], lit. 'House of the Country' or 'House of the Nation'), also known as the Parliament of Budapest after its location,[5] is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, a notable landmark of Hungary, and a popular tourist destination in Budapest. It is situated on Kossuth Square in the Pest side of the city, on the eastern bank of the Danube. It was designed by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl in neo-Gothic style and opened in 1902.[6] It has been the largest building in Hungary since its completion.[7] The architectural style of the Hungarian parliament building was influenced by the gothic Vienna City Hall, and the renaissance elements like the cupola was influenced by the Maria vom Siege church in Vienna.[8]

History

[edit]
Parliament Building in 1905

Budapest was united from three cities in 1873, namely Buda, Óbuda, and Pest.[9] Seven years later, the Diet resolved to establish a new, representative parliament building, expressing the sovereignty of the nation. The building was planned to face the Danube River. An international competition was held, and Imre Steindl emerged as the victor;[6] the plans of two other competitors were later also realized in the form of the Ethnographic Museum and the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, both facing the Parliament Building. One reason that Steindl's proposal was chosen is that his neo-Gothic plans bore a strong resemblance with the Palace of Westminster in London. Leading Hungarian politicians of the 19th century found it extremely important that the country's new parliament building should symbolise their commitment to Western Europe, especially Britain, the country Hungarian reformers considered a political role model. Construction from the winning plan was started in 1885, and the building was inaugurated on the presumed 1,000th anniversary of the country in 1896. With the keys to the building being handed over in 1902,[10] however, it was not fully completed until 1904.[11] The architect of the building first went blind and later died before the building's completion.

About 100,000 people were involved in its construction, [citation needed] during which 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones and 40 kg (88 lb) of gold were used.[12] Since World War II, the legislature has been unicameral, and today the government uses only a small portion of the building, with the other wing occasionally serving to house events. During the People's Republic of Hungary, a red star perched on the top of the dome, but it was removed in 1990 after the fall of communism. Mátyás Szűrös declared the Hungarian Republic from the balcony facing Kossuth Lajos Square on 23 October 1989.[13]

Features

[edit]
Hungarian Parliament Building
Parliament Building in 2019
Riverside of the Hungarian Parliament Building at night
Riverside of the Hungarian Parliament Building at night
Court yard side of the Budapest Parliament Building at night.

The Parliament Building is built in the Gothic Revival style; it has a symmetrical façade and a central dome. The dome is Renaissance Revival architecture.[14] The parliament is also largely symmetrical from the inside, with two identical parliament halls on the opposing sides of the building. One of the two halls is still in use today for sessions of the Hungarian National Assembly, the other for ceremonies, conferences, and guided tours. It is 268 m (879 ft) long and 123 m (404 ft) wide. Its interior includes 10 courtyards, 13 passenger and freight elevators, 27 gates, 29 staircases and 691 rooms (which includes more than 200 offices). With its height of 96 m (315 ft), it was one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest, along with Saint Stephen's Basilica, until the MOL Campus topped out in 2021. The number 96 refers to the nation's millennium, 1896, and the conquest of the later Kingdom of Hungary in 896.

The main façade overlooks the Danube, but the official main entrance is from the square on the east side of the building. Inside and outside, there are altogether 242 sculptures on the walls. The façade displays statues of Hungarian rulers, Transylvanian leaders, and famous military figures. The coats of arms of kings and dukes are depicted over the windows. The eastern staircase is flanked by two lions. When entering the Parliament Building, visitors can walk up great ornamental stairs, see frescoes on the ceiling, and pass by the bust of the architect Imre Steindl in a wall niche. Other statues include those of Árpád, Stephen I and John Hunyadi. The building features stained glass and glass mosaics by Miksa Róth.

One of the most famous parts of the building is the hexadecagonal (sixteen-sided) central hall, with huge chambers adjoining it: the Lower House and the Upper House. The modern National Assembly is unicameral and meets in the Lower House, while the Upper House is used as a conference and meeting room. The Holy Crown of Hungary, which is also depicted in Hungary's coat of arms, has been displayed in the central hall since 2000. Due to its extensive surface and detailed handiwork, the building is almost always under renovation.

Accessibility and neighbourhood

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See also: Lajos Kossuth Square

The Parliament is accessible via Line 2 of the Budapest Metro and line 2 of the Budapest tram system, from the Kossuth Lajos Square station. At the east front of the building is a memorial to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, as well as the imposing Kossuth Memorial and the equestrian statue of Francis II Rákóczi. A seated statue of Attila József as described in his poem By the Danube occupies a site on the south lawn. Martyrs' Square (Vértanúk tere) is immediately adjacent to Kossuth Square, with a statue of Imre Nagy.

Postage stamps

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The building is featured on more than 50 postage stamps issued by Hungary during 1917–1921, including ones issued in 1917,[15] 1919,[16] 1920,[17] and 1921.[18]

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Interior

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  • Interior of one of the rooms in the building
    Interior of one of the rooms in the building
  • Assembly hall of the National Assembly of Hungary
    Assembly hall of the National Assembly of Hungary
  • The main staircase of the parliament building
    The main staircase of the parliament building
  • Another view of the main staircase
    Another view of the main staircase
  • The Holy Crown of Hungary can be found in the central hall
    The Holy Crown of Hungary can be found in the central hall
  • Legislative library
    Legislative library
  • Model found inside the building
    Model found inside the building

Exterior

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  • Exterior view of the Hungarian Parliament seen from Kossuth Square
    Exterior view of the Hungarian Parliament seen from Kossuth Square
  • Exterior view of the Hungarian Parliament at night seen from the banks of the Danube river
    Exterior view of the Hungarian Parliament at night seen from the banks of the Danube river
  • Exterior view in daytime, from a Danube River cruise
    Exterior view in daytime, from a Danube River cruise
  • Exterior view in the blue hour
    Exterior view in the blue hour
  • View of the building at night, from the Fisherman’s Bastion
    View of the building at night, from the Fisherman’s Bastion
  • View of the rear façade
    View of the rear façade
  • East façade at night
    East façade at night
  • Rear entrance doors
    Rear entrance doors
  • Aerial of the rear façade
    Aerial of the rear façade
  • Aerial of the main façade
    Aerial of the main façade
  • Statue of Gyula Andrássy near the south side of the building
    Statue of Gyula Andrássy near the south side of the building

Stamps

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  • A 1918 stamp with the parliament building
    A 1918 stamp with the parliament building
  • A 1918 stamp with the parliament building
    A 1918 stamp with the parliament building

References

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  1. ^ Béni, Alexandra (13 June 2017). "10+1 things you didn't know about the Hungarian Parliament". Daily News Hungary. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  2. ^ "Parliament". Budapest Info. n.d. Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  3. ^ Kay, Nathan (3 January 2019). "The secrets and symbols of Hungary's Parliament building". CNN Travel. CNN. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  4. ^ "The House of Parliament". House of Parliament Visitor Center. Hungarian National Assembly. n.d. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  5. ^ "The Hungarian Parliament Building". Parlamento Budapest. 2016. Archived from the original on 24 May 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  6. ^ a b Craig Turp (2010). DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide: Budapest. Dorling Kindersley Ltd. pp. 8–9. ISBN 9781405353076. Archived from the original on 2021-04-10. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  7. ^ "Parliament". Budapest Info. 4 March 2015. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  8. ^ The perfect Parliament article of the Daily Mail. Link:[1]
  9. ^ "Buda before Buda: Óbuda and Pest as Early Centers". Buda, Obuda, and Pest (XML). Brill. January 2016. pp. 69–91. doi:10.1163/9789004307674_005. ISBN 9789004307674. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  10. ^ "Electing Members of the National Assembly". House of the National Assembly. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  11. ^ "Országház építése". egykor.hu. Archived from the original on Mar 27, 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  12. ^ "House of Parliament - Visitors - Országgyűlés". Visitors. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  13. ^ "30 Years of Freedom - Third Time's a Charm: The Hungarian Republic Reborn". Budapest Business Journal. 8 May 2020. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  14. ^ Steves, Rick; Hewitt, Cameron (2009). Rick Steves' Budapest. Avalon Travel Publishing. ISBN 978-1-59880-217-7.
  15. ^ "Stamp: Parliament building (Hungary) (Parliament building) Mi:HU 200,Sn:HU 119,Yt:HU 175,AFA:HU 175". Colnect.com. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  16. ^ "Stamp: Parliament building (Hungary) (Parliament building) Mi:HU 253b,Sn:HU 189,Yt:HU 231,AFA:HU 231B". Colnect.com. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  17. ^ "Stamp: Parliament building (Hungary) (Parliament building) Mi:HU 317,Sn:HU 188,Yt:HU 230,AFA:HU 230". Colnect.com. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  18. ^ "Stamp: Parliament Building, triangular punching (Hungary) (Parliament building) Mi:HU 203L". Colnect.com. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
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