Hungarian Parliament Buildings

The Hungarian Parliament Buildings, erected in the nineteenth century in a magnificent Gothic Revival style, are among the oldest in Europe. The Hungarian Parliament Buildings are similar to the Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom, with peaked towers, an elegant limestone front, and a stunning dome.

Imre Steindl, the architect of the Hungarian Parliament Buildings, was chosen in a competition to design them in 1885, but became ill during construction. In reality, he had gone blind by the time they were finished in 1904. The Gothic revival design required around 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones, and 40kg of gold, and it is estimated that 100,000 individuals were engaged in the building.

The dome is 96 meters tall, commemorating Hungary's 1000th year of existence in 1896. A red star was placed on top of the dome during Communist administration, when the country was known as the People's Republic of Hungary. This was eventually removed in 1990.

The Hungarian Parliament Buildings are now home to Hungary's National Assembly as well as a renowned tourist destination. From frescoes and stained glass to the numerous sculptures dispersed throughout, visitors may admire the various works of art both inside and outside these wonderful buildings.

Location: Budapest