Sights · 37 of the best in Budapest
The Parliament: a palace for a nation
The back story
About The Parliament: a palace for a nation
The Hungarian Parliament Building, stretching along the Pest bank of the Danube, is the country’s largest building and the defining image of Budapest. Designed by Imre Steindl and built between 1885 and 1904, it is a neo-Gothic fantasy of spires, arches and a great central dome.
A competition
After Buda, Pest and Óbuda were united in 1873, the new capital wanted a parliament to match. Imre Steindl won the design competition with a neo-Gothic building facing the river, inspired by the great parliaments of Europe.
Built over two decades
Construction began in 1885, and the building was inaugurated in 1896, the year of the Millennium, though work went on until 1904. Steindl went blind before it was finished and died weeks before its completion.
The Parliament is the largest building in Hungary.
The Holy Crown
Since 2000, the Holy Crown of Hungary, the symbol of the Hungarian state for a thousand years, has been displayed under the dome, guarded by soldiers.
Visiting
Guided tours in English take you up the grand staircase, through the domed hall to see the crown and into one of the old chamber halls.
Our advice: book the guided tour online in advance, as tickets sell out. For the classic photo, cross to Batthyány Square in Buda, especially at dusk when the building is lit.
Why it's on our list
- A competition and a winner
- Built over two decades
- The Holy Crown
- Visiting
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Parliament: a palace for a nation before you go.