Kossuth Lajos Square — Attraction in Budapest

The Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hungary, renowned for its grand neo-Gothic architecture and rich history. Located on the banks of the Danube River, it is the seat of the National Assembly and an important symbol of the country's democracy.

History and Construction🤩👇

The building was designed by Imre Steindl and constructed between 1885 and 1904 to mark the unification of Budapest in 1873 and commemorate Hungary’s millennium celebration in 1896.

Unfortunately, Steindl lost his eyesight before the completion of his work.

Architecture and Features

Neo-Gothic Style: Inspired by the Palace of Westminster in London, the structure incorporates elements of Gothic Revival with Renaissance influences.

Size and Scale: The building is 268 meters (879 feet) long and 123 meters (404 feet) wide, with 691 rooms and 10 courtyards.

Central Dome: The 96-meter-high dome symbolizes the year 896, marking the arrival of the Hungarian tribes in the Carpathian Basin.

Notable Highlights

Holy Crown of Hungary: The building houses the Holy Crown, along with the royal scepter and orb, essential symbols of Hungarian statehood.

Stained Glass and Sculptures: The interior features intricate stained glass windows, elaborate frescoes, and statues of Hungarian monarchs and historical figures.

Grand Staircase: One of the most stunning interior features, decorated with gold leaf and large murals.

Symbolism and Location

Situated on Kossuth Square, facing the Danube, the Parliament offers stunning views of both Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge. The location symbolizes the unity between the cities of Buda and Pest, which merged to form Budapest.

The design incorporates symmetrical facades to represent the equality of the two houses of Parliament, although today it operates with a unicameral system.

Visiting Information

Guided Tours: Tours are available in several languages and allow visitors to explore the grand halls, assembly rooms, and view the Holy Crown.

Opening Hours: The building is open year-round but may close on national holidays and during parliamentary sessions.

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online in advance to avoid queues.

The Hungarian Parliament Building is not just a political hub but also a monumental piece of architecture, representing Hungary's cultural identity and pride. It remains a top tourist attraction in Budapest, offering both historical insight and...

In the second half of the 19th century, great public buildings were erected on the square and it became the symbolic centre of the Hungarian state.The Hungarian Parliament Building is located on the square. Facing the parliament building is the Museum of Ethnography (originally the Palace of Justice) and the Ministry of Agriculture. After World War II, a temporary bridge across the Danube, Kossuth híd, was built between Lajos Kossuth Square and Batthyány Square, and functioned from 1946 until 1960. It was dismantled when most of the permanent bridges were rebuilt. The square was closed in 2012 by a decision of the Parliament in order to restore its original, pre-1944 view.The square was reopened in 2014 as a no-traffic zone with a sustainable park, updated tracks for tram No. 2, an underground parking garage, sculptures, and a memorial to the victims of the Kossuth Tér massacre on 25 October 1956. Pay attention to Kossuth square subway station featuring an excellent sculpture of Tiresias, who was a blind prophet of Apollo in Thebes, famous for clairvoyance and for being transformed into a woman for...

Stunning and recently renovated public square in front of the glorious and world famous Hungarian Parliament building. The Square is named after the Hungarian national hero, Kossuth, and at one end there is a beautiful and large monument dedicated to him and Hungary’s struggle for independence under the Habsburgs. The square is easily accessible from the Metro, stop of the same name located just to the left of the parliament building, where you can get the M2. Semi-recently the public square was re-landscaped and renovated, and is now a very pleasant place to wander around. Great to walk admiring the architecture of the world famous Parliament building numerous historic monuments, wonderful surrounding architecture and plenty of photographic opportunities, as well as access to the Parliament visitor centre and even pretty views across the Danube to the old town of Buda and the castle. It is an absolute must visit when...