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Pecs Travel Guide

Author: Paul Liesting

A neo romantic cathedral, the Mosque of Pascha Gázi Kassim, is a souvenir from the Turkish occupation. The city walls are another point of interest. The world famous painter Victor Vasarely, born in Pécs, donated the city many of his paintings, which can be seen in the Vasarely Museum. Zsolnay Eozin (metallic green) porcelain originates from Pécs. The theater and the post office also are must-sees.

Mysterious crypts from Roman times, cupolaed Turkish djamis, a slim minaret, exquisite Zsolnay ceramics, Csontvary paintings, decorative Vasarely patterns, almond trees blooming early in spring, atmospheric restaurants and cafes - this is Pecs, the 2000-year-old town with the Mediterranean climate and atmosphere at the southern foot of the Mecsek Hills. It has been a bishop's seat since 1009.

Pecs, which the Romans called Sopianae, was a significant centre of early Christianity: the 4th century " necropolis " consisting of 16 graves was acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000. Seven structures are still being excavated, and two monuments are open to the public: Hungary's most significant early Christian monument, the two-storey Ancient Christian Mausoleum (Szent Istvan Square) with its wall paintings, and the remains of three sarcophagi. The Chapel (Jug Crypt), accessible from Dom Square, has paintings on the wall, one of which depicts a jug.
The road to the top of the hill is bordered by the steep streets and nice old houses which lie on the hilly area of Pécs known as "Tettye"; it is a pleasant evening program to taste the hill's famous wines after hiking on the marked pathways in the Mecsek Park Forest. The 360ş panorama from the 525-meter-high Misina Peak is wonderful.

Visitors looking for curios or bargains should keep the following in mind: antique fairs are held the first Friday of every month, and every Saturday and Sunday there are flea markets and car markets. On Sundays there are animal fairs, as well.

Getting there:
From Budapest by car, on route 6 (213 km);

by Intercity Train from Deli Railway Station

Source: world66.com - Author: Paul Liesting

Things To Do and See in Pecs

Zsolnay Museum, Pecs
Attraction type: Art museum; Specialty museum

Pecs Cathedral, Pecs
One of the most treasured medieval monuments was

founded by King Stephen I in the 11th century.
Attraction type: Religious site

Jakawali Hassan (Jakovali Hassan) Mosque and Museum, Pecs
Dating from the 1500s, this mosque is still an active center of Islamic faith.
Attraction type: Religious site; Historic site; History museum

Pecs Synagogue, Pecs
This beautiful wooded synagogue, built in 1869,

is located in the busy shopping square, Kossuth tér.
Attraction type: Religious site

Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kassim, Pecs
The former Turkish mosque, built in the late 16th century,

now serves as a Catholic church featuring a grand

cupola, prayer niches and keel-arch windows.
Attraction type: Religious site; Historic site

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