Sep 26th, 2007 | Sights of Budapest | 1 Comment
The Hungarian Parliament is one of the most spectacular and popular sights in Budapest. It is the third largest Parliament in the world, a magnificent landmark on the riverbank of the Danube and the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary located on Kosshut Lajos Square.
Built in a time (finished 1902) of great optimism the intention was to build one of the worlds finest buildings of Parliament. The style is eclectic mixing a Neo-Gothic style with a Neo-Renaissance dome decorated with statues of Hungarian kings.
The interior of the Parliament is like a museum on its own decorated with statues and decor in Neo-Gothic style and ceiling frescoes by famous Hungarian fresco artist Károly Lotz. When visiting the Parliament be sure not to miss:
- the Hungarian Coronation Regalia including the Holy Crown, the orb, the sceptre and a Renaissance sword.
- the magnificent Grand Staircase starting at the main entrance to the Dome Hall
- the beautiful Dome Hall with the 16 statues of Hungarian leaders
- the Hunters Hall that surround the Dome Hall with fantastic frescoes on its walls
- the beautifully painted windows by Miksa Róth
Guided tours every day: 9 Euros (free for EU members, show passport). Tickets available at gate X. on Kossuth Square. 08-16.
More about sights in Budapest
Kossuth Lajos tér, V. district. Go by M2 metro station “Kossuth Lajos tér”, tram 2, bus 15, or just walk from Vaci street along the Danube, you wont miss it!
Web: www.parlament.hu
Sep 24th, 2007 | Activities & things to do, Music & concerts, Sights of Budapest | 3 Comments
The 120 years old Hungarian State Opera House in the centre of Budapest, on the exclusive Andrassy ut, is one of the worlds most breathtaking opera buildings. Over the years it have been host for greats lik Ferenc Liszt and Gustav Mahler. The opera, built in neo-Renaissance style is the achievement of the great Hungarian architect Miklos Ybl and a contribution to Hungary’s unique national identity expressing the vibrant culture of Budapest, Hungary.
With its amazingly ornate interior, frescoes and statues of Beethoven, Mozart, Verdi, Wagner and other greats (both in and outside) Budapest internationally celebrated Opera House from 1884 is one of the city’s most interesting and beautiful buildings. Ornamentation’s like sculptures and paintings are the work of the prominent Hungarian artists: Bertalan Székely, Mór Than and Károly Lotz.
The opera season runs usually from september to june and holds 40-50 major productions.
The Budapest State Opera house is truly one of the most beautifyl sights of Budapest so if your only staying for a few days and have to chose between all sights then the Opera is one of the must-see sights of Budapest! If you cant get hold of any tickets to the opera be sure to take the guided tour inside the Opera House. There are guided tours in English every dag.
Daily tours: 2500 ft (10 Euro)
Just around the corner - more classic music in Budapest
If your into music and culture you have two other interesting attractions nearby in the center of Budapest:
- Pesti Vigado at Vörös Marty tér just take the subway M1 (right outside the Opera) to “Vörös Marty tér” station.
- Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music (Zeneakadémia) just walk down Nagymezö street on the opposite side of the opera to VI. Liszt Ferenc tér 8
Andrassy út 22, District VI.
Metro 1: Opera | Tram 4 and 6 to Oktogon
Web:
www.opera.hu
www.jegymester.hu (ticket booking in english)
www.koncertkalendarium.hu (concert calendar in english)
