Where is the largest parliament building in the world?

Bucharest is this answer. The Palace of the Parliament (Casa Poporului). This is the largest Parliament building in the world and the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. Meant to be the crowning achievement of 'Centrul Civic' or 'Civic Centre' - Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu's ambitious urban development plan - the Palace of Parliament represents one of the most extravagant and expensive building projects in the history of mankind; certainly of the last century. The Palace of Parliament is one of Romania's biggest tourist attractions, If you ask some questions you will probably be told by your guide, "officially I can't answer that".

These include:

1) How many people died during construction?
2) What percentage of this building is actually in use?
3) How much did it cost to build this monster?
4) How many floors underground does it go? Are there tunnels?

Though many find the Palace to be aesthetically unappealing, the exquisite craftsmanship is undeniable.

More Info: www.local-life.com

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14 Comments

First&Formost

The biggest houses of democracy in totalitarian countries. Ceaucescu wanted to show that he reigns for the people. Just like Putin.

earlepg

It looks like it could, in addition to being the meeting place of the legislature, serve as the residences of all of the legislators and their familes.

Francis O'Reilly

I walked around it. it is massive. The tallest church in Romania is also on the grounds. About thirty percent of the building is in use for governmental purposes. A tour cost 40Ron. (About U.S. $10.00) I got there in time for the last tour but decided not to take the tour as I had other things to do. It is an impressive building. Romania has a history of large and expensive public works projects. Peles castle in Sinia is a must see.