Kossuth Lajos ter 1- 3
Tel. 1- 441 49 04
Metro: Kossuth ter
Bus: 70, 78
Trolley: 2, 2A
www.parlament.hu
The Hungarian Parliament Building, known as Országház (House of the Nation) in Hungarian, stands as one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of national pride, perched on the eastern bank of the Danube River in Kossuth Square on the Pest side of the city. This monumental structure serves as the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary and is renowned for its grandeur, blending historical significance with architectural splendor. As the largest building in Hungary and the third-largest parliament building in the world, it measures 268 meters in length, 123 meters in width, and reaches a height of 96 meters at its central dome—a deliberate nod to the year 896, marking the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin.
The history of the Hungarian Parliament Building, known as Országház
(House of the Country), is deeply intertwined with Hungary's quest for
national identity and autonomy in the 19th century. Prior to its
construction, Hungary's legislative body, the Diet, met in various
temporary locations, including in Pressburg (now Bratislava) during the
Habsburg era. The turning point came with the Austro-Hungarian
Compromise of 1867, which established the dual monarchy of
Austria-Hungary, granting Hungary greater internal independence while
sharing foreign affairs and defense with Austria. This compromise fueled
a period of rapid modernization and national pride in Hungary, creating
the need for a permanent, representative parliament building to
symbolize the nation's sovereignty and emerging democracy. Budapest
itself was unified in 1873 from the cities of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda, and
the new parliament was strategically placed on the Pest side along the
Danube River, emphasizing its central role in the capital's urban
landscape.
In the 1870s and early 1880s, discussions intensified
about building a grand structure. Emperor Franz Joseph and Prime
Minister Kálmán Tisza launched a design competition in 1882, attracting
19 entries from prominent architects. The winner was Imre Steindl, a
Hungarian architect trained in Vienna, who had extensively studied
Gothic architecture along the Rhine, in France, and across Hungary.
Steindl's design drew inspiration from London's Houses of Parliament,
blending neo-Gothic elements with Renaissance and Baroque influences to
create a uniquely Hungarian expression. His vision was selected for its
grandeur and symbolic resonance, reflecting Hungary's medieval heritage
while asserting modern national aspirations.
Construction and
Architectural Features
Construction officially began in 1885 with the
ceremonial laying of the foundation stone on what was then Tömő Square
(later renamed Kossuth Square in honor of revolutionary leader Lajos
Kossuth). The project was immense, involving around 100,000 workers and
lasting 17 to 19 years, depending on the source—inaugurated in 1896 to
coincide with the presumed 1,000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of
the Carpathian Basin (the Millennium celebrations), but not fully
completed until 1902 or 1904. The initial budget was estimated at 18.5
million golden crowns, but costs ballooned to about 38 million due to
the scale and intricacy of the work.
The building is a masterpiece of
neo-Gothic architecture, measuring 268 meters in length, 118 meters in
width, and featuring a central dome reaching 96 meters in height—a
deliberate nod to the year 896, marking the Magyar settlement. It
incorporates over 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones, and
40 kilograms of gold, used extensively in gilding and decorations. The
facade is adorned with 242 statues depicting Hungarian rulers,
Transylvanian leaders, and military figures, while the interior boasts
691 rooms, 27 gates, 29 staircases, and 10 courtyards. Key highlights
include the Grand Stairway, the Dome Hall (housing the Holy Crown of
Hungary since 2000), and the Upper and Lower Houses, with intricate
frescoes, stained glass by Miksa Róth, and murals by artists like Károly
Lotz. Tragically, Steindl's health declined during construction; he went
blind in his later years and died on August 31, 1902, just weeks before
the building's full completion, unable to see his finished work.
Upon
opening, it was the largest parliament building in the world and remains
the largest in Hungary and the third-largest globally, after those in
Romania and Argentina. Its location on the Danube not only provides
stunning views but also integrates it into Budapest's urban fabric,
facing the Buda Castle across the river.
20th Century Turbulence
and Survival
The Országház has witnessed Hungary's tumultuous
20th-century history. It hosted the first sessions of the dual
monarchy's Hungarian parliament in 1902, but World War I (1914–1918)
brought upheaval, leading to the empire's dissolution and the
short-lived Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919. During the interwar
period under Regent Miklós Horthy, it served as the seat of a
conservative monarchy without a king.
World War II inflicted
significant damage: the building was bombed during the 1944–1945 Siege
of Budapest, with parts of the dome and interiors destroyed. Post-war
reconstruction began under Soviet influence, and from 1949, it became
the parliament of the communist People's Republic of Hungary. The 1956
Hungarian Revolution saw dramatic events here, including protests on
Kossuth Square where demonstrators toppled a Stalin statue and clashed
with Soviet forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Bullet holes from
the uprising were visible for decades as a reminder.
Under communism
(1949–1989), the building's symbolism shifted, with the red star
replacing royal emblems on the dome until the regime's fall. The
transition to democracy in 1989–1990 restored its role as the seat of a
multiparty parliament, and extensive renovations in the 1990s and 2000s
preserved its heritage while modernizing facilities. In 2000, the Holy
Crown of St. Stephen—Hungary's most sacred relic—was moved to the Dome
Hall, reinforcing its national significance.
Modern Role and
Legacy
Today, the Országház houses the unicameral National Assembly
of Hungary, with 199 members, and serves as a hub for legislative
activities. It attracts nearly 700,000 visitors annually, offering
guided tours in multiple languages that highlight its architecture and
history. Ongoing restorations, including facade cleaning and interior
upgrades, ensure its preservation amid challenges like flooding from the
Danube (notably in 2002 and 2013).
As a UNESCO World Heritage site
component (part of Budapest's Danube panorama), the building embodies
Hungary's resilience through monarchy, war, communism, and democracy.
Its enduring presence on Kossuth Square continues to symbolize national
unity, even amid contemporary political debates.
Architectural Style
The building's design is predominantly Gothic
Revival, characterized by pointed arches, intricate tracery, and
towering spires that evoke medieval European cathedrals. However, it
incorporates Renaissance Revival elements, particularly in the central
dome and interior halls, drawing inspiration from structures like the
Maria vom Siege church in Vienna. Architect Imre Steindl modeled aspects
after the Palace of Westminster in London to symbolize Hungary's
alignment with Western European democratic ideals, especially Britain's
parliamentary system. This fusion creates a grand, eclectic aesthetic
that balances vertical emphasis with symmetrical harmony.
Dimensions and Scale
Spanning 268 meters (879 feet) in length and 123
meters (404 feet) in width, the Országház is Hungary's largest building,
covering a floor area of 18,000 square meters (193,800 square feet)
across four floors. Its height reaches exactly 96 meters (315 feet), a
deliberate nod to the year 896, marking the traditional founding of the
Principality of Hungary by Árpád. This symbolic measurement underscores
the building's role in national identity. The structure includes 10
courtyards, 13 elevators, 27 gates, 29 staircases, and 691 rooms, with
over 200 dedicated to offices.
Materials and Construction
Techniques
Construction required an immense quantity of materials:
approximately 40 million bricks formed the core structure, augmented by
half a million precious stones for decorative elements and 40 kilograms
(88 pounds) of gold for gilding and accents. Limestone and other local
stones clad the exterior, providing durability against Budapest's
climate. The intricate detailing, including hand-carved sculptures and
mosaics, demands ongoing renovation to preserve its elaborate surfaces.
Key Structural Features
The building's layout is highly
symmetrical, with a central dome dominating the skyline and two
identical parliamentary halls flanking it—one for active National
Assembly sessions (the Lower House) and the other for ceremonial
purposes. The main façade along the Danube features a series of pointed
arches, pinnacles, and 242 sculptures depicting Hungarian rulers,
Transylvanian leaders, and military heroes such as Stephen I and John
Hunyadi. Coats of arms adorn the windows, while two stone lions guard
the eastern staircase leading to Kossuth Square. The central hall is
hexadecagonal (16-sided), serving as a pivotal space connecting major
chambers.
Decorative and Interior Elements
Interiors showcase
opulent craftsmanship, with frescoed ceilings, stained glass windows,
and glass mosaics crafted by artist Miksa Róth. Ornamental staircases
with intricate railings lead to upper levels, and a bust of Steindl is
embedded in a wall niche. The central hall houses the Holy Crown of
Hungary (displayed since 2000), surrounded by symbolic artifacts. The
legislative library and conference rooms feature wood paneling,
chandeliers, and detailed carvings, blending functionality with artistic
grandeur. The dome's interior reveals Renaissance motifs, with ribbed
vaulting and panoramic views.
Construction History
After
Budapest's unification in 1873, the Diet of Hungary decided in 1880 to
erect a new parliament to affirm sovereignty. An international
competition selected Steindl's neo-Gothic plan in 1882, with
construction starting in 1885. It was partially inaugurated in 1896 for
Hungary's millennium celebrations, fully operational by 1902, and
completed in 1904—though Steindl died blind before seeing it finished.
During the communist era, a red star topped the dome until its removal
in 1990. The balcony overlooking Kossuth Square was the site of the 1989
declaration of the Hungarian Republic.
Symbolic and Historical
Significance
Beyond its architectural prowess, the Országház embodies
Hungary's historical aspirations for independence and Western
integration. Its UNESCO status highlights its cultural value in
exchanging architectural influences and exemplifying 19th-century
eclecticism. Surrounding memorials, like those for the 1956 Revolution
and figures such as Imre Nagy, add layers of historical narrative.
Featured on numerous postage stamps, it remains a vital symbol of
Hungarian governance and heritage.
Beyond its scale, the Országház holds intriguing secrets: its 96-meter height and 365 towers (one for each day of the year) are symbolic, while the number 96 recurs in elements like the 96 steps leading to the main entrance. It has appeared in films and is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of Budapest's Danube panorama. Tours, available in multiple languages, allow visitors to explore restricted areas, though photography is limited in sensitive zones. Today, it not only hosts legislative sessions but also cultural events, reinforcing its role as a living emblem of Hungary's resilient spirit.