Global Treasures: Parliament

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1123

UPC: 879061007224

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

In 1867, after many centuries of Habsburg rule, the kingdom of Hungary was finally acknowledged as an official state and a parliament was appointed.

London's Houses of Parliament served as the model for Budapest's new parliament building. The idea was to emphasize to the Hungarian people the positive way that both democracy and the monarchy could be part of the same political system.

The magnificent shape of the Budapest Parliament is similar to a palace. Two bronze lions decorate the steps that lead to the main entrance of the splendid government building that symbolized the hopes of a new kingdom.

With its 700 rooms and total floor space of 473,000 square metres, for many decades this was the greatest building in the world. And even with its powerful proportions, the Budapest Parliament radiates elegance and grace.

At night, this architectural symbol of the Hungarian people with its 100-metre-high cupolas lights up the capital and also the dark waters of the Danube.