Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Historic square
- Houses the stunning Parliament building
Time required: 30 minutes
Public transport:
- Metro Line 2: Kossuth tér station
Address: Kossuth Lajos tér, Budapest
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Valerio Pillar
Things you need to know:
- Kossuth Square is the symbolic center of the Hungarian state
- It is surrounded by splendid buildings on all sides including the Hungarian Parliament. Other notable buildings are the Ministry of Agricuture and Museuem of Ethnography
- The area was developed at the end of the 19th century after the unification of Buda and Pest gave way to large scale construction projects beyond the old city walls
- The monument in front of the Parliament commemorates the 1848-49 Revolution and Independence War againt Austria. Another monument pays tribute to Ferenc II Rákóczi, leader of the 1703-11 independence war against the Habsburgs
- The square was also the starting point of the 1956 revolution against the Soivets when a pieceful demonstration turned violent
- The bullet holes and the Imre Nagy memorial are the reminders of these historical events
- The Museum of Ethnography housed in an impressive neo-classic building presents a large collection of local costumes, toys, furnishings, wedding costumes and more
What to do there:
- Walk around the square and admire the enormous Parliament building and the impressive neo-classical Museum of Ethnography
Tips & Insights:
- Leaving the square in southeast direction you get to the memorial of Imre Nagy, prime minister and leader of the 1956 revolt against the Soviet Union. The statue is placed on a bridge
