JEWEL OF BUDAPEST

By far, even before my trip, one of my favorite architectural buildings, at least in the top 10, has always been the magnificent Parliament building. Upon first sighting, I have always loved it. So I couldn't wait to see it. When friends that had been there already, several made a strong point of telling me to make sure I went to see it. Warbucks did a great job of enough planning and free days, but made sure the itinerary had time to permit me to go see it several times. Day and night. On the first night there, Warbucks had book tickets for a nice cruise along the Danube River, which gives a bird's eye view of the building. And at night it is spectacularly illuminated. I dare say it is one of the most beautiful parliaments on the globe. Just exquisite architecture and detail, and MASSIVE. When you're standing on the ground next to it, how small you feel...it just soars right up.

The construction of the Parliament building began in 1880, and inaugurated on the 1000th anniversary of the country in 1896, but construction didn't finish till 1904. 40 million bricks were used, as well as a half a million precious stones and 88lbs of gold. Inside the building there are 10 courtyard, 13 elevators, 27 gates and 29 grand staircases and 691 rooms. The building itself was built in the Gothic Revival style and the dome rising in at 415 high is Renaissance Revival. The main facade overlooks the Danube. Inside and out there are well over 242 sculptures, standing and on walls. The building is riddled with ornamental frescoes depicting coats of arms of kings and dukes, statues, and many stunning stained-glass windows and glass mosaics by Miksa Roth.

Taken from Fishermen's Bastion

Warbucks had a connection to get us security clearance and a guide for an interior tour. Normally, without it, you'll only get to see the grand staircase and not a step beyond. The interior got progressively better with each step. To take pictures in certain areas, permission needs to be asked first...but nothing a few blow jobs didn't help with!!! The piece de la resistance inside was in the Central Hall...the Holy Crown of Hungary. This was the coronation crown used by the Kingdom of Hungary for most of it's existence...over 50 kings were crowned with it.  The crown itself was created during the reign of Bela III under Byzantine influence. The crown was first worn for the coronation of Stephen I and given to him January 1. 1001AD. And the dome from inside looked breathtaking.

Needless to say, I was speechless when we left. I came back with over 150 photos alone of just this building.