Hungarian State Opera House

Budapest
(Image courtesy of: The Photo Archive of the Hungarian National Tourist Office)

Built in Pest by Miklós Ybl and modelled on the Vienna Opera House in a classical example of the Neo-Renaissance style. Completed in 1884, seriously damaged during WWII, the building was restored for the buildings centenary in 1984. It is commonly regarded as one of his finest works and when you see it, you will understand why. The interior is no less spectacular, decorated with marble, frescoes, cherubs and gilt. As well as being home to the State Opera, the Opera House is also home to the State Ballet. You can only see the building in all its glory if you go on the guided tour, but this isn’t too expensive and is available in multiple languages. Or you can always just go to an opera and these are not overly expensive either.

Hungarian State Opera House