The most impressive room in the Hungarian Parliament isn’t allowed to be photographed. The building is symmetrical with a large dome in the centre, and directly beneath the centre of the dome lie the Hungarian Crown Jewels, guarded by two severe looking, uniformed soldiers. Inside the dome, statues of kings line the walls, and a huge chandelier gives dim light to a magnificent design.

The tour was surprising short, taking in the grand entrance hall, used for special state occasions, and some sort of debating/voting chamber.

The ceilings throughout the building were impressive and ornate, entirely gold plated throughout in real gold leaf, as our tour guide proudly explained. Unfortunately (or cleverly) the gold only began three metres up the wall, so I and any other all-things-shiny-obsessed tourists couldn’t reach up to touch it.

Knowing nothing about Hungarian politics or history, I admired the pretty building and wasn’t displeased when the tour came to its short end in the gift shop.