We visited the Budapest Parliament Thursday, the third largest parliament building in the world. Construction of the Parliament began in 1884 and was completed in 1902. It is the seat of Hungary's National Assembly and also home to the country's crown jewels: St. Stephen's crown, sceptre, orb and the coronation sword.


(Tara, James, John and Catherine in the Lower House / photo: GF)


Grand staircase



Stained glass, grand staircase



Dome Hall (hexadecagonal)





View of the Danube



Lower House, where the National Assembly meets



Lower House, ceiling


(photo: GF)


and a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sdr566OERg