Pécs in Hungary

Pécs is located in southern Hungary and is also often called Fünfkirchen. In 2010, it was crowned European Capital of Culture. The city is one of Hungary’s most beautiful Mediterranean-style cities, impressing visitors with panoramic views over the Mecsek Mountains and making your eyes light up with its lively university-city atmosphere and diverse sights. It’s no wonder Pécs attracts thousands of tourists every year.

• Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul: One of the most famous sights with an impressive architectural history.
• Bishop’s Palace: Insights into the past of the diocese and the daily life of the archpriests.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Early Christian cemetery from the Late Roman period.

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

This cathedral has adorned Pécs since the 11th century and impresses admirers with a blend of different architectural styles inside and out, as well as artworks from the 19th century. It is located on Szent István Square, slightly outside the city centre. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Cathedral Museum, which is also worth a visit. Both the cathedral and the museum require paid admission.

History of the Cathedral: Transformation Over Time

The 11th-century cathedral was built during the reign of Peter Orseolo (the second Hungarian king). Several centuries later, the church was converted into a mosque by Turkish conquerors, before being changed back into a church in 1686 when the Hungarians regained power. But the transformations were not yet complete. The cathedral’s current Neo-Romanesque façade was created in the 19th century based on ideas by the architect Friedrich von Schmidt. The contrast of styles is what makes the church so special.

What Can You See?

While the façade was designed in the Neo-Romanesque style, the interior of the church mainly features Gothic elements. You can also discover depictions of Hungarian saints and various biblical stories.

Don’t forget to admire the four chapels, which—together with the crypt—are considered the oldest part of the building! Each chapel has its own history and is sure to enchant you. The Chapel of the Virgin Mary in the northwest of the cathedral and the opposite Sacred Heart Chapel house works by the 19th-century painters Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz. In contrast, in the Corpus Christi Chapel (southwest side) you can view tabernacles made of red marble (16th century). It becomes clear that the centuries and their representations differ here as well. Further works by the painter Székely can also be found in the Chapel of Saint Maurus (southeast side).

But it’s not only the church— the adjacent Cathedral Museum is also very interesting. Discover Romanesque sculptures, parts of the Holy Cross Altar, as well as fragments of some of the cathedral’s original wall paintings.

Bishop’s Palace

If you visit the Bishop’s Palace, you can gain insight into the past of the diocese and get to know the everyday life of the archpriests.

Historical Background

Pécs was founded at the beginning of the 2nd century by the Romans under the name “Sopianae” and later became an important centre of early Christianity. The diocese was established in 1009 by King Stephen the Saint. The yellow building next to the cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Pécs and therefore the residence of the respective bishops of Pécs. Unfortunately, the medieval remains were almost completely destroyed due to numerous renovations. The Barbican Bastion offers the best glimpse into the medieval era. 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 façade.

What Is There to See?

Only part of the complex is open to the public. In addition, the Bishop’s Palace can only be explored in groups accompanied by a guide.

The building dating back to the 12th century offers insights into the bishop’s study and salon. Admire unique furniture, paintings, and one-of-a-kind pieces from the Baroque, Biedermeier, Neo-Renaissance, and Neo-Baroque periods. Immerse yourself in the different eras this building has already lived through.

On the first floor of the staircase you will also find remarkable oil paintings and episcopal portraits, as well as tapestries donated by Maria Theresa at the end of the 17th century. As you wander through times long past, take a moment to look out of the windows for a unique view of the cathedral and the square. Stroll through the garden of the Bishop’s Palace and take the opportunity to descend from there into the wine cellar! The tunnel to the wine cellar was not only used to connect to the granary and thus for wine storage, but also helped the bishops in difficult times. When they suffered under the anti-church socialist regime that monitored the bishops and installed numerous listening devices, the secret passage served as a safe place for confidential conversations. Keep this historical background in mind as you admire the cellar’s original barrels and taste delicious wines.

Gazi Khassim Mosque – Mosque Church (Parish Church of Candlemas)

The Gazi Khassim Mosque, dating from the 16th century, is located on the main square and is now known as the Parish Church of Candlemas, an architectural monument from the Ottoman era. Today’s parish church is the most important representation of Islamic-Ottoman architecture in Hungary. Opening hours vary depending on the season, and adults pay a small entrance fee, while children under six can enter the church free of charge.

Historical Background

The turbulent history of the Gazi Khassim Mosque goes back to the 16th century, when the mosque was part of the Turkish plan for a long-term occupation of Pécs. Bathhouses, a bazaar, and several mosques were to be combined. Stones from the former Church of St. Bartholomew, which once adorned the main square, were used to build the mosque. But in the 17th century, the city of Pécs was liberated from Turkish occupation and the mosque was converted into a Catholic church. The mosque’s former minaret no longer exists today, as it was damaged by a lightning strike in the 18th century and later demolished. Apart from the minaret, however, the exterior of the mosque has hardly changed since it was built. In addition, a semicircular extension was added to the north side of the church in the 20th century.

What Is There to See?

The church interior is beautifully illuminated by the donkey-back windows, bathing the room in a yellow-green light. Admire the beautiful architecture of the former Gazi Khassim Mosque and be inspired by interesting interactive elements and animations. A place that unites religions and creates a remarkable blend of Islamic and Catholic architecture. Discover Catholic paintings by the local artist Ernő Gebauer or the prayer niche aligned toward Mecca.

Other historically interesting religious sites include the church on Havihegy Hill (Schneeberg), the ruins on Tettye, and the synagogue built in 1869.

Early Christian Cemetery: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Since 2000, Sopianae (the former name of Pécs) and its Late Roman Early Christian cemetery have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Early Christian burial traditions of the northern and western provinces of the Roman Empire become clear in this excavated complex. Discover architectural features and wall frescoes located in the burial chambers, remnants of that era.

TV Tower on Misina Hill

The current TV tower on Misina Hill replaced the former observation tower built in 1908 and is 176 metres high. The Pécs TV Tower is located on the 553-metre-high Misina Hill near Pécs and offers an excellent view over the Mecsek Mountains all the way to Lake Balaton.

If you would like to visit the TV tower, we recommend the glass restaurant at a height of 75 metres. Within a very short time, you can reach the restaurant by lift and also enjoy the viewing terrace at 80 metres. In clear weather, this viewpoint offers a wonderful view of up to one hundred kilometres. Let this dreamy panorama impress you and look back on your trip to Pécs with a smile!

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

Pécs is a historic, old city that is well worth a visit! Discover the remains of different religions and familiarize yourself with the diocese. However, be sure to observe the toll and vignette requirements in Hungary. If you haven’t yet obtained a vignette for your trip to Hungary, you can conveniently order your digital vignette from home with us.

We wish you a pleasant trip to Hungary and lots of fun on your road trip. You can find more information about tolls in Hungary in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip perfectly and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, you can reach us anytime via email.