Parliament Tour

 

Be mesmerized by the magnificent House of Parliament and be awed by the scale and opulence of one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. Highlights - Visit the 3rd largest Parliament building in the world - Learn about the fascinating history of the building - Admire richly decorated chambers and visit the Cupola Room This guided tour of the building will satisfy you with entertaining and informative commentary from your friendly guide while you appreciate the visual feast provided by this ornate structure. When Hungary emerged as a democracy it required a house for its people to represent it and thus in 1882 a design for the new parliament was put to tender. In contrast with the royal palace, built in lofty heights above the rest of the city, the new parliament was to be built on the flat side of the Danube, on the same level with the city itself, as an expression and symbol of the newly born democracy. Begun in 1885, it took an average of one thousand people working continuously for thirteen years to complete the building, the masterpiece of architect Imre Steindl. The exterior leans toward the style of Gothic Revival, somewhat resembling the Palace of Westminster in London while the interior design includes a great number of Renaissance and Baroque elements. During this tour you have the chance to see the very richly decorated staircase, later on the Cupola Room, where the Hungarian Crown Jewels and the Hungarian Holy Crown can be found. After visiting the Session Room with its glorious neogothic chambers, the tour ends in front of the Parliament.