Hungary’s cultural heritage dates back to ancient
times. But the architectural styles of the late 19th
and early 20th century give Budapest its air of Old
World opulence.
The neo-gothic Parliament building is one of the city’s
most decorative structures, characterized by numerous
small spikes and stone lace ornamentation. With its
magnificent staircase and exquisite reception rooms,
the parliament is one of the largest national assemblies
in the world.
Another grand showplace, the Hungarian National Opera
building, was designed by Miklós Ibl, one of
Hungary’s most prominent 19thh century architects,
and completed in 1884. Its rich interior features a
round ceiling fresco by Károly Lotz, a master
of the genre.
Throughout Budapest are several dozen examples of a
uniquely Hungarian architectural style. Hungarian Art
Nouveau (or Hungarian Secession), a local variant of
the artistic styles that flourished at the turn of the
century, incorporates Hungarian folk motifs and other
devorative elements on building facades and interior
walls. The 1872 Museum of Applied Arts, designed bey
renowned architect Odon Lechner, is one of the best
examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest.
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