Visiting Parliament

Standing outside the Hungarian Parliament building or Palace here in Budapest the Gothic Revival structure is a far cry from Ceaușescu's "Palace" or "People's House". Once inside the same was true, no depression here, warm and inviting, sumptuous and stylish this is a place to inspire. Polished wooden surfaces, deep carpets, intricate carvings, well padded seats and all that glitters is gold. To me it summed up the total difference in ideologies. As I mentioned before, I pre-booked because a friend could not get a ticket, I wish that they had, this is one of the highlights of my trip.

Those sitting in the parliament are constantly reminded of the diverse population which they have served for hundreds of years. Statues abound depicting trades, nobility, farming, soldiery, musicians and scholars. As you walk down the corridors of power the eye is drawn to the gilded arches and scroll work of the high walls and ceilings. The carpets absorb the sound giving this a cloister like feel. Truly a place to discuss affairs of state or arrange the next political deal.

The "People's House" may have had his and hers marble staircases but it does not compare to the staircase here. The vaulted ceiling, the subtle lighting and the gilding are meant to impress and they do. Construction commenced in 1885 to mark the uniting of the nation. Budapest, the capital, being formed from three cities in 1873, not two as I has always believed. A workforce of about 100,000, half a million precious stones and 40 Kg of gold went into the decoration of the 40 million bricks used in the building.

We arrive at the debating chamber. What can I say except that it takes your breath away. Outside are solid gold cigar holders each numbered to preserve the cigars of the members as they are called back to the debate or vote. Of course Health and Safety dictates that smoking is no longer allowed in public buildings within the E.U., I wonder how many wish that they could repeal the act. Incidentally here we are allowed to use the lifts and fine edifices they are too.

We enter hallowed ground in the heart of the building. Guarded by armed soldiers in full dress uniform lies the holy crown of Hungary. Photography is not permitted here so I took a quick shot as we left from the adjoining room. You can just see the military guards as they perform the half hourly change of position. Speaking of guards I requested permission to photograph one of our escorts but was informed that it was not allowed. A short while later he mentioned that a relative or friend could take a photograph of me and if he just happened to be in the shot what could he do? You will notice a talking box around my neck a handy guide to the surroundings and now common in all of these public buildings across Europe. The photographs tell there own story so I will not repeat myself here.

At the end of the tour we descend back to the basement from whence we came. Oh yes, we were scanned but it was a very relaxed process. There is a choice now, gift shop and depart or explore the exhibition hall. Of course I took the latter. There is information on the building, its construction and maintenance and a video of those parts of the building not open to the public. I was particularly impressed by the wall of photographs depicting the chronology of the construction and development of the city of Budapest too. Lastly or firstly you meet a guard at close quarters. A 360 degree view not normally seen as they adorn the pillars along the external portico of the building.

Departing after a very satisfying hour I strolled along the bank of the Danube outside the building. At one end the Margaret bridge in the near distance, huge barges on the river, Buda castle opposite and at the eastern end the statue of Fancis II Rakoczi, leader of the revolution against the Habsburgs in 1703. And in front of me.... well I will tell you next time... but what a surprise! Until then my  Hungarian Parliament Building album is well worth a look.