Hungarian Parliament Building - Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian Parliament Building is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, a notable landmark of Hungary and a popular tourist destination in Budapest. It is situated in Kossuth Square. It is currently the largest building in Hungary and It was designed by Hungarian architect, Imre Steindl, in neo-Gothic style and opened in 1902.
Budapest was united from three cities in 1873, namely Buda, Óbuda, and Pest. Seven years later, the Diet of Hungary or originally: Parlamentum Publicum, resolved to establish a new, representative parliament building, expressing the sovereignty of the nation. The building was planned to face the river. An international competition was held, and Imre Steindl, emerged as the victor; 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. Construction from the winning plan was started in 1885, and the building was inaugurated on the 1000th anniversary of the country in 1896. It was completed in 1904. About 100,000 people were involved in construction, during which 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones and 40 kilograms of gold were used. Since World War II the legislature became unicameral, and today the government uses only a small portion of the building.
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. The Parliament inside is also symmetrical and thus has two absolutely identical parliament halls of which one is used for politics, the other for guided tours. It is 268 m long and 123 m wide. Its interior includes 10 courtyards, 13 passenger and freight elevators, 27 gates, 29 staircases and 691 rooms. The main facade overlooks the River 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 Holy Crown of Hungary, which is also depicted in the coat of arms of Hungary, has been displayed in the central hall since 2000.
Standing right in front of the Parliament is the statue of Grof Andráshi Gjula. The statue commemorates one of Hungary's most beloved politicians who served as the nation's prime minister between 1867 and 1871.
Prominently on display in the square is Francis II Rakóczi, leader of the Hungarian uprising against the Habsburgs in the early 1700's. Although defeated in 1711 and forced to spend the rest of his life in exile, he is considered a national hero.
On the right side, there is the monument dedicated to former Hungarian Prime Minister Kossuth Lajos.

Being a traveler in Budapest, the Parliament building is one of city attractions, you must visit. Take your time, to admire beautiful architecture and history surrounding amazing Kossuth Square.

Music: Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 - Liszt

[shirleymueller]

We;; done. Clear and organized. Excellent voice and easy to listen.