The Hungarian Parliament: Discovering one of the best parliaments in the world (Part 2)

In many different ways, I can describe the Hungarian Parliament. It is more or less comparable to the British Parliament that sits majestically near the river. There are also historical circumstances regarding their construction which are more or less parallel each other.

The Hungarian Parliament is a genuine symbol of the city. It is a true representation of the country’s desire for unity and liberation. It is in itself a living symbolism of the Hungarians’ endless love for freedom, equality and fraternity. When I saw the Parliament, I did not have the right words to describe it. I was at a loss for description. Perhaps, words in the language are not enough to exactly capture its splendor.

Anybody who visits Budapest has positive impression about the Parliament. Surely, you should not be missing the Parliament should you drop by at the city. I would say you cannot completely say that you have visited Budapest without visiting one of its most stunning architectural masterpieces.

There are a great creative ways of getting good angles and perspectives of the Parliament. You can view it from the outside then gradually explore its interiors and discover its inside features. Have you ever thought of looking and admiring the stunning beauty of Parliament while aboard a cruise ship in the Danube river during the night! Try it dude! It is such a romantic episode. You would not regret it though it entails spending a few bucks from your pocket because it will surely leave you memories you would not forget.   

Like most architectural structures in Budapest, the Parliament presents the rich history of Hungary in figures. This I know when I joined the guided tour in the place. I was indeed lucky to have learned a lot of things through the guided tour as the tour guide are very knowledgeable about the history of the building, the cultural niche that surrounds it and the general political, social and cultural atmosphere that pervades the era.

Now, let me continue sharing you some equally important structures located near the Parliament

The statue of Ferenc Rakoczi II

Let it be noted that Lajos Kossuth ter attracts a great number of visitors every year. Given that Budapest has a low cost of living, tourists can stay in the city for a week or longer and have the chance to get to know more of its interesting destinations.

One of best statues that can be found in the Lajos Kossuth Square is the Ferenc Rokoczi II. To be very candid, I have but limited knowledge about the great men and women of Hungarian history but with travelling and visiting its most important landmarks, I came to learn not only its great men and women but also more of its history, culture and tradition.

This statue is actually made of bronze and majestically depicts a man astride on a horse. The man is Ferenc Rakoczi II. Now regarded as among the most important heroes of the country, Ferenc Rakoczi II represents nobility who has undying love for freedom. He was responsible in leading a revolt against Habsburgs. Ferenc Rakoczi II is now forever etched in the pages of history and is brought to life in this immortal-like figure in horseback whose stance indicates readiness to fight for freedom and willingness to sacrifice himself to a far nobler cause for Hungary.

When I saw the statue the first time, I could only admire the nobility of the figure and the bravery and courage that the figure represents. I know that this figure stands not only for a man’s struggle to gain recognition of liberty and equality but also for the country’s unrelenting pursuit of independence in its truest sense.

Truth to tell, I really appreciate the stories behind this structure. It relates the great struggle of a man, a tale of bravery and heroism, which would inspire a great number of people. It also reminds me of Jose Rizal’s statue in Luneta Park, at Manila whose novels became the source of inspiration for Filipinos in their struggle for freedom against their colonizer.

I feel honored to meet the man Hungary has regarded instrumental to its struggle for liberation albeit posthumously by paying homage to its statue. Whoever was responsible in the erection of this historical landmark must have been endowed with tremendous talent.

The Museum of Ethnography

Do you know the building just behind the Parliament? It is as splendid as other buildings situated nearby the Parliament. It is called the Museum of Ethnography. So what can you see in this grandiose building? Accordingly you can find a great number and variety of Hungarian folk artifacts, Hungarian folk dances, local music, among other works of art. Students and pensioners do have different price or rates for entrance in this museum. Students and pensioners can get in approximately 700 forinth; whereas adults can gain entry by paying 1, 400 forinth.

 I consider my visit of the Parliament as a terrific visual treat of the city. Why not? You’ve got in sight the best representatives of Hungarian architecture and arts in the Parliament. The exterior of the building alone is more than an overwhelming opening salvo. It greets and welcomes the visitors with a great bang. No tourist can resist the splendor that welcomes them in front of the building.

There are a great number of reasons why you should visit the Museum of Ethnography. Firstly, the museum serves as the repository of amazing collection of artifacts that represent Hungarians’ century’s old history. The museum itself recounts the traditional culture of Hungary from the earliest possible time to the present. Second, the museum houses one of the greatest collections of cultural artifacts not only of Hungary but also of other countries in other parts of the globe. Hungarian travelers and ethnologies exerted a lot of efforts to gather artifacts from Oceania, Africa and Asia and together assembled the same at the museum. Finally, take advantage of getting free education in history, culture and politics of Hungary through the artifacts in the past. Appreciate and value the uniqueness of a nation through its historical artifacts.

In the picture below I have the National Museum of Ethnography behind as my background. The museum is full of artistic designs which were masterfully carves. Take notice of the objects at the tips of the building. These in themselves are great works of art that were used to adorn to spell more elegance and to accentuate a structure which is already overflowing with dazzling grandeur.

The Museum of Ethnography is worthy of mention for being among the best preserved buildings in Budapest. You would certainly love visiting this museum as you would get a very comprehensive understanding of Hungarian arts and culture. If you have not experienced listening to Hungarian folk song, then try experiencing one. The folk music are rich of the collective consciousness of the past. They express in sublime form the Hungarian way of life, their history, their rich norms and their appreciation of life. 

These are just but two of the interesting spots that are within sight near the Parliament. Just take your time feasting your sights in these magnificent structures. A whole day may not be enough to see all the things that you want to see in the Parliament. Just staying there enjoying the scenery can give optimum relaxation. The Danube river near the Parliament is such a sight to behold. It really complements the Parliament.

I did not get tired exploring the Parliament and its immediate surroundings which are undeniably superb and splendid. I still have much time expanding my exploration across and even beyond the Parliament. If you were to ask me, one of the best times of the year where you can appreciate the beauty and grace that is Budapest is during the spring and autumn time. Tourists come and go in this area. But I am not yet done exploring this superb architectural wonders. I shall write in my next posts other interesting things to see and to do in the Parliament. See you in my next posts!

Photo gallery