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The
Parliament and its treasures
Built
between 1885 and 1904 the Parliament building soon became the symbol of
the Hungarian capital. Not just becuse its sheer size –
nearly 18000 square metres – but because of its detailed
decoration, inside splendour and eclectic diversity.
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It is
the most
expensive building ever built in Hungary. It has 691 rooms, 10
courtyards, 27 gates and 29 staircases. It also houses a public library
with 500.000 volumes. The walls from outside are decorated by the
statues of the most important historical figures of
Hungary. The
building is 268 metres long and 118 metres wide, it stretches
along the Pest
side of the Danube between the Chainbridge and Margaret Bridge.
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The
dome is 96 metres hight, exactly the same height as that of the St Stephen Basilica,
located also on the Pest side, only 5 minutes walk away.
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Until
the 19th century the Hungarian diet held its sessions on various
places in the country, depending on which part was not under occupation
or foreign rule. After the Austro-Hungarian Compromise in
1867, Hungary received more
independence and an own constitution. The establishment of a parliament
building was also initiated.
Since its handover, the Parliament is the seat of the
leading governmental
bodies. In Hungary the legislative body is unicameral.
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You
can visit the building when the Parliament is not in session. The
chamber of former Upper House is shown to the visitors. You
can actually sit on the benches of the MPs.
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Visiting
the parlament: Guided tours in English daily at 10.00, 12.00, 13.00,
14.00. Tickets can be purchased at Gate X. (Kossuth square side), the
visit lasts about 50 minutes. During the tour the Main Staircase, the
Dome Hall, the Coronation Jewels, the Deputy Council Chamber or the
former session room of the Upper House can be seen.
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