Hungarian Parliament Building

Hungarian Parliament Building
Jorge Franganillo from Barcelona, Spain · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Hungarian Parliament Building
Architect	Imre Steindl
Location	Budapest, Hungary
Client	National Assembly of Hungary

Hungarian Parliament Building, located in Budapest, Hungary, is one of the most iconic buildings in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year, including those interested in European architecture, Gothic Revival architecture, and Neo-Gothic architecture. The building is situated on the Danube River, opposite the Buda Castle, and is a prominent example of Imre Steindl's work, who was inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London, designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. The building's design is also influenced by the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and the Tower of London, showcasing the blend of Gothic architecture and Romanesque architecture.

● History

The Hungarian Parliament Building's history dates back to the late 19th century, when Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, ruled by Franz Joseph I of Austria. The building was constructed during the Dual Monarchy period, with the aim of creating a symbol of Hungarian nationalism and independence movement. The construction of the building was influenced by the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, led by Lajos Kossuth, and the subsequent Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, which established the Dual Monarchy. The building's design was also influenced by the works of József Eötvös, Ferenc Deák, and Gyula Andrássy, who played important roles in shaping Hungarian politics and foreign policy.

● Architecture

The Hungarian Parliament Building's architecture is a mix of Gothic Revival architecture, Neo-Gothic architecture, and Romanesque architecture, with a symmetrical façade and a central dome, inspired by the Pantheon, Rome, St. Peter's Basilica, and the United States Capitol. The building's design is characterized by the use of limestone, granite, and sandstone, with intricate carvings and ornaments, similar to those found in the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Chartres Cathedral, and the Cologne Cathedral. The building's architecture is also influenced by the works of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, Augustus Pugin, and Charles Barry, who were prominent figures in the Gothic Revival movement.

● Construction

The construction of the Hungarian Parliament Building began in 1885, during the reign of Franz Joseph I of Austria, and was completed in 1904, with the participation of over 1,000 workers, including stonemasons, carpenters, and engineers. The building's construction was supervised by Imre Steindl, who was assisted by Gyula Pártos and Kálmán Giergl. The construction process was influenced by the Industrial Revolution, with the use of new technologies and materials, such as steel frames and elevators, similar to those used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower and the Brooklyn Bridge.

● Features

The Hungarian Parliament Building features a stunning interior, with a grand staircase, a central hall, and several committee rooms, decorated with intricate frescoes and mural paintings, similar to those found in the Vatican Museums, Louvre Museum, and the Prado Museum. The building is also home to the Hungarian Crown Jewels, which include the Crown of Saint Stephen, the Sceptre of Hungary, and the Orb of Hungary, which are on display in the building's treasury. The building's features are also influenced by the works of Mihály Munkácsy, Pál Szinyei Merse, and Aladár Körösfői-Kriesch, who were prominent figures in Hungarian art.

● Tourism and events

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest, attracting millions of visitors each year, including those interested in European history, politics, and architecture. The building offers guided tours, which include the grand staircase, the central hall, and the committee rooms, as well as the treasury and the crown jewels. The building also hosts various events, including conferences, exhibitions, and cultural festivals, such as the Budapest Spring Festival, the Budapest Autumn Festival, and the Sziget Festival.

● Restoration and maintenance

The Hungarian Parliament Building has undergone several restoration and maintenance projects over the years, with the aim of preserving its original architecture and interior design. The building's restoration has been supervised by the Hungarian State Opera House, the National Museum of Hungary, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, with the participation of experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the World Heritage Centre. The building's maintenance is also influenced by the works of UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the European Union, which have recognized the building's cultural and historical significance, similar to the Acropolis of Athens, the Colosseum, and the Great Wall of China. Category:Buildings and structures in Budapest