Pécs — Cultural Capital & Ottoman Heritage

Pécs (pronounced: Petsch, 145,000 inhabitants) is Hungary's most fascinating city outside of Budapest — and has been for 2,000 years. The Romans founded Sopianae here, whose early Christian burial chambers are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ottomans left behind Hungary's best-preserved Islamic buildings. The Habsburgs bestowed baroque splendor upon the city. And in 2010, Pécs was a European Capital of Culture — a title that brought modernization to the city, still felt today.

Main Square & Mosque of Pasha Gázi Kászim

The Széchenyi tér (Main Square) is one of Hungary's most beautiful squares — and at its center stands the most impressive Ottoman building in the country: The former mosque of Pasha Gázi Kászim (1543–1546), now used as a Catholic church, but with the original dome and Muslim prayer niches (Mihrab) inside. The coexistence of cross and crescent in one building is unique in Europe. Admission: 1,200 HUF (3€).

Early Christian Burial Chambers (UNESCO)

Beneath the cathedral of Pécs lie early Christian burial chambers from the 4th century — the best preserved of their kind north of the Alps. The wall paintings (Adam and Eve, Daniel in the lion's den) are astonishingly vivid and colorful. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Admission: 2,500 HUF (6€).

Zsolnay Cultural Quarter

Pécs is home to the Zsolnay Manufacture — the legendary ceramics and porcelain factory, whose iridescent Eosin glaze adorns roofs throughout Hungary (the Great Market Hall and Matthias Church in Budapest!). The former factory site has been transformed into the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter: museum, studios, shops, playgrounds, and a restaurant in the historic factory halls. The permanent exhibition showcases 150 years of Zsolnay history — from everyday ceramics to world-class artworks.

University Town with Flair

Pécs is a vibrant university town (founded in 1367, one of the oldest in Europe) with a young, creative scene. The alleys of the old town are filled with cafés, small galleries, and wine bars. The Mediterranean climate — Pécs is one of Hungary's sunniest and warmest cities — gives the city an almost southern European atmosphere. Fig trees and almond trees grow in the gardens, and the terraces are occupied until October.