Pécs is located in the south of Hungary and is often called Five Churches. In 2010, it was crowned the European Capital of Culture. The city is considered one of Hungary's most beautiful Mediterranean cities, offering a panoramic view of the Mecsek Mountains and an atmosphere in its lively university city, with diverse sights that will surely make your eyes sparkle. It's no surprise that Pécs attracts thousands of tourists every year.
This cathedral has adorned Pécs since the 11th century, impressing admirers with its mix of architectural styles both inside and outside, as well as 19th-century artworks. It is located on Szent-István Square, a bit outside the city center. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Cathedral Museum, which is also worth visiting. Both the cathedral and the museum charge an entrance fee.
The cathedral, built in the 11th century during the reign of Peter Orseolo (the second Hungarian king), was transformed into a mosque by Turkish conquerors for several centuries, only to be reconverted into a church in 1686 when the Hungarians regained control. However, the transformations were not yet complete. The current neo-Romanesque facade of the cathedral was created in the 19th century based on the designs of architect Friedrich von Schmidt. The contrast of styles makes the cathedral particularly unique.
While the facade is neo-Romanesque, the interior of the church predominantly features Gothic elements. Additionally, you will discover depictions of Hungarian saints and various Bible stories.
Don't forget to admire the four chapels, which, along with the crypt, are considered the oldest parts of the building! The different chapels each have their own history and will enchant your eyes. The Marian Chapel in the northwest of the cathedral, as well as the opposite Sacred Heart Chapel, house works by painters Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz from the 19th century. In contrast, you can admire a tabernacle made of red marble (16th century) in the Corpus Christi Chapel (southwest side). It becomes clear that the centuries and their depictions differ here. Additional works by Székely can be found in the Saint Maurus Chapel (southeast side).
But it's not just the cathedral; the adjacent Cathedral Museum is also very interesting. Discover Romanesque sculptures, parts of the Holy Cross altar, and fragments of some of the original wall paintings from the cathedral.
If you visit the Bishop's Palace, you will get a glimpse of the past of the diocese and the daily life of the archpriests.
Pécs was founded by the Romans in the early 2nd century under the name "Sopianae" and later became an important center of early Christianity. The diocese was established in 1009 by King Stephen the Holy. The yellow building next to the cathedral is the seat of the Pécs diocese, the residence of the bishops of Pécs. Unfortunately, the medieval remains were nearly completely destroyed due to numerous renovations. The Barbakan bastion still offers a glimpse into the medieval period. The last major changes to the palace took place between 1832 and 1852 at the request of Bishop Scitovsky and resulted in a neo-Renaissance facade.
Only a part of the complex is accessible to the public. Also, the Bishop's Palace can only be explored in groups with a guide.
The building from the 12th century allows you to explore the bishop's study and salon. Admire unique furniture, paintings, and rarities from the Baroque, Biedermeier, neo-Renaissance, and neo-Baroque periods. Find yourself in the various eras that this building has survived.
Additionally, in the first floor of the staircase, you will find remarkable oil paintings and portraits of bishops, as well as tapestries that Empress Maria Theresa donated at the end of the 17th century. During your walk through past times, take a few moments to look out the windows to enjoy a unique view of the cathedral and the square.
Walk through the garden of the Bishop's Palace and take the opportunity to descend into the wine cellar! The tunnel to the wine cellar not only connected the palace to the granary for wine storage, but it also helped the bishops during difficult times. When they suffered under the anti-church socialist regime that controlled the bishops and installed numerous listening devices, the secret passage served as a safe place for confidential discussions. Keep this historical background in mind as you admire the original barrels in the cellar and taste delicious wines.
The 16th-century Gazi Khassim Mosque is located in the main square and is now called the Parish Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a monument from the Ottoman period. The current parish church is the most significant representation of Islamic-Ottoman architecture in Hungary. The opening hours vary depending on the season, and adults pay a small entrance fee, while children under six can enter the church for free.
The history of the Gazi Khassim Mosque dates back to the 16th century when the mosque was part of the Turkish plan for a long-term occupation of Pécs. It was intended to combine bathhouses, a bazaar, and several mosques. Stones from the former St. Bartholomew Church, which once adorned the main square, were used to build the mosque. However, in the 17th century, the city of Pécs was liberated from Turkish occupation, and the mosque was converted into a Catholic church. The former minaret of the mosque no longer exists, as it was struck by lightning in the 18th century and later demolished. Apart from the minaret, the exterior of the mosque has changed little since its construction. Additionally, a semicircular annex was added to the northern side of the church in the 20th century.
The interior of the church is beautifully lit by the donkey-back windows, bathing the space in a yellow-green light. Admire the beautiful architecture of the former Gazi Khassim Mosque and enjoy fascinating interactive elements and animations. This is a place that unites religions and creates a remarkable blend of Islamic and Catholic architecture. Discover Catholic paintings by local artist Ernő Gebauer or the prayer niche oriented towards Mecca.
Other historically interesting religious sites include the Church on Havihegy Mountain (Snow Mountain), the ruins on Tettye, and the synagogue built in 1869.
Since the year 2000, Sopianae (the former name of Pécs) and its late Roman early Christian cemetery have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The early Christian burial traditions of the northern and western provinces of the Roman Empire are clearly visible in this excavated site. Discover architectural features and wall frescoes found in the burial chambers, remnants from that era.
The current television tower on Mount Misina replaced the former observation tower, built in 1908, and is 176 meters tall. The Pécs television tower stands on the 553-meter-high Mount Misina near Pécs, offering a superb view of the Mecsek Mountains and all the way to Lake Balaton.
If you want to visit the television tower, we recommend the glass restaurant at 75 meters above ground. You can quickly reach the restaurant with an elevator and enjoy the observation terrace at 80 meters. From this viewpoint, on clear days, you can enjoy the wonderful, up to 100 kilometers wide view. Let yourself be impressed by this stunning panorama and remember your trip to Pécs with a smile!
Pécs is a very historical, old city that is definitely worth visiting! Explore the remnants of various religions and familiarize yourself with the diocese. However, be mindful of the toll and vignette regulations in Hungary. If you haven’t yet obtained a vignette for your trip to Hungary, feel free to order your digital vignette here. Benefit from the immediate validity of the vignette and conveniently order your digital vignette from home.
