A river view of Parliament

In continuing our series, we present one of the most famous landmarks recognized by every tourist who ever visited Hungary.  But few are aware that the Parliament building’s height of 96 meters is the same as the height of the Basilica of St. Stephen, symbolizing the equal power of the State and the Church.  (By law, no building may be taller than 96 meters.) 

Another interesting facet of the Parliament is its heating and cooling system, which was considered one of the most modern at the time of construction.  A separate building housed the boilers which produced hot steam that was then distributed throughout the building by a system of tele-heating.  Originally, cool air streamed into the building through the basins of two water fountains, later replaced by several tons of ice in two large shafts.  Modernization in 2011 brought a rerouting of pipes, and heating and cooling are now handled via computer.  Changing the air in the legislative chamber is accomplished by gravitation, by means of drainpipes placed in the floor. 

This is one of the basic Hungarian national legends.  It was used as the symbol of the 1933 Scouting Jamboree held in Hungary (see article elsewhere in this issue).  

Csikós showing his prowess. (Photo by Zsuzsa Lengyel)

This is a thumbnail sketch of the area of Hungary about which Szabolcska Mihály’s poem rhapsodizes. It seems a good topic for this summer issue.