Indagare Tours: Parliament

A tour of the neo-Gothic Parliament, inspired by the one in London and designed by architect Imre Steindl, should be on every first-time visitor’s list. The best way to visit Parliament (security is tight and reservations must be made in advance) is by touring with a private guide (contact the Bookings Team to arrange). The sumptuous interiors contain a wealth of decorative ornamentation; intricate details include the rows of numbered wavy gilded-metal strips that served as cigar holders so that representatives had a place to leave their burning cigars during meetings. The highlight of the soaring Domed Hall, with its 315-foot cupola, is the Szent Korona, also known as the Crown of St. Stephen, which dates from the 12th century and has a wild history (it was kept at Fort Knox after World War II and returned to Hungary in 1978). To fully experience the building’s stunning architecture, visitors should also cross to the Buda side or arrange a river cruise for spectacular views.