Top 10 Things To See And Do In Pecs, Hungary

With construction beginning in the late 11th century and finalized in the 12th, Pécs Cathedral has remained an important feature of this city for hundreds of years. With its Romanesque design, this Cathedral is a symbol of Hungarian history. In the 16th century it was converted into a Turkish mosque before finally being claimed once again as a place of Christian worship, representing the years of cultural change within Hungary. The Cathedral, also known as the St Peter and St Paul Basilica is dominated by four 60 meter towers, making it one of Pécs’ most impressive buildings. The inside is equally remarkable. Divided by a splendid arch, the cathedral plays host to the famous frescoes of Bertalan Székely alongside a manual organ.

Pécs, Szent István tér 23, 7624 Hungary +36 72 513 030

Sopianae, the predecessor to the city of Pécs, was inhabited by the Romans and included a Christian cemetery that many people still choose to visit today. An ever popular attraction, Sopianae, along with its Early Christian Mausoleum, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the category of culture-historical architecture. Discovered during renovation works in 1975, this Roman burial site dates back to the 4th century. The burial chambers are home to a finely decorated twin grave as well as including fascinating murals which depict such characters as Adam and Eve, the Tree of Life and the Prophet Daniel.

Pécs, Szent István tér 12, 7621 Hungary +36 72 224 755

Built between 1543 and 1546, this impressive building was the creation of Pasha Gazi Qasim after Turkish occupation of Hungary in the 16th century. It has been used for Christian worship since 1868 leading to interior renovations in order to suit. However, the exterior looks exactly the same as it did when it was first constructed. With its ogee windows and a mihrab the building still contains many original features and elements of Ottoman design. Visitors can even find poems from the Koran written on the walls. This is a truly unique building which incorporates both Christian and Islamic design, as presented through the combined symbols of the crescent moon and the cross on the top of the dome.

Pécs, Hunyadi út 4, 7621 Hungary +36 72 321 976

The Gallery of Modern Hungarian Art plays host to art from 1850 up until the present day. There are over 12,000 pieces on display with a number of works from artists such as Simon Hóllosy, Béla Uitz and Ödön Márffy. This allows visitors to do something a little different and explore the more modern aspect of Pécs. Work is chronologically presented throughout the gallery and moves through artistic periods and styles from modern to the avant-garde as well as permanent exhibitions which explore the ideas behind and interpretations of 20th century Hungarian Art.

Gallery of Modern Hungarian Art, Káptalan u. 5. Pécs, Hungary +36 72 514040

This museum is solely dedicated to one of Hungary’s most significant Hungarian artists, Kosztka Tivadar Csontváry (1856-1919). Opened in 1973 and set in a Neo-Renaissance building, this museum takes visitors on a chronological journey through Csontváry’s artistic career. Although Csontváry’s work was only recognized five years after his death, this gallery seeks to emphasise his stylistic choices and inspirations. The exhibitions present everything; from the artist’s study drawings to his many paintings. Presented works include the ‘Baalbek’ which is the largest solar road painting in the world. However, the most noteworthy piece of art held by the gallery, and probably the artist’s best known work, would be the ‘Lone Cedar’.

Csontváry Museum, Káptalan u. 5., Pécs, Hungary +36 72 514 040

Király Street, is found in the heart of Pécs. It is a very popular area within the city and is filled with a buzzing atmosphere. This is a great place to visit and is home to a number of stylish shops and cafés. Surrounded by buildings in the baroque style, this street is close to a number of Pécs’ main attractions such as the National Theatre and a former monastery. The Palatinus Hotel with its Art Nouveau style is especially striking.

Kiraly utca, Pecs, Hungary