Photos

The Hungarian Parliament building, which in Hungarian is called Országház meaning litterally "the country's house" or "house of the country", is located in the center of Budapest on the left bank of the Danube river.

This is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings, the largest building and a notable landmark of Hungary. Construction began in 1885 in the Gothic Revival style, according to the plans of architect Imre Steindl and the building was inaugurated on the 1000th anniversary of the country in 1896, and completed in 1904. Its architect went blind before its completion.

There were about one thousand people working on its construction in which 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones and 40 kilograms (88 lb) of gold were used. During the communist regime a red star was placed on the top of the dome, which was removed in 1990. Mátyás Szűrös declared the Hungarian Republic from the balcony facing Kossuth Lajos tér on 23d October in 1989.

Today it is also a popular tourist destination of Budapest. The Holy Crown of Hungary, which is also depicted in the coat of arms of Hungary, has been displayed in the central hall since 2000.