Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a large Neo-Gothic legislative building on the Pest bank of the Danube in Budapest, designed by Imre Steindl and completed in 1904. It houses Hungary’s National Assembly and is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

The complex stretches about 268 m along the river, with a richly decorated façade and a central dome reaching 96 m in height. Interior highlights include the Dome Hall, grand staircase, and ceremonial display areas that hold national regalia. The building is open to visitors on guided tours and is especially notable when lit at night.

Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during Hungary’s Austro-Hungarian period, the structure was intended to represent national sovereignty and to accommodate the parliament’s legislative functions. It remains the seat of the National Assembly and a location for state ceremonies.

• Size, dates and room count: Completed in 1904 after construction from 1885, the Parliament building is about 268 m long and has a central dome rising to 96 m; it contains roughly 691 rooms.
• Viewing and tours: Best viewing points are across the Danube on the Buda side and at night when the façade is illuminated; public guided tours operate from the visitor entrance on Kossuth Lajos Square.

What to See #

• Dome Hall and central rotunda: The central Dome Hall with the main ceremonial staircase and display area that leads to the throne and ceremonial spaces used during state functions.
• Façade, dome and riverside frontage: The public facade facing the Danube is a long, richly decorated Neo-Gothic frontage featuring spires, statues and the central dome rising above the building at 96 m.
• Crown regalia and ceremonial display: The building houses the Hungarian Crown Regalia, including the Holy Crown of Hungary, normally kept under strict security and displayed as part of state ceremonial spaces.