And what could I possibly want to do in Pécs?
Pécs is in Hungary. Yes, Hungary. This 2000-year-old city is the 5th largest in Hungary. But, it is very often overlooked by visitors as most tend to stay in the metropolis of Budapest and not venture out to the rest of Hungary. If you are on a river cruise along the Lower Danube you will be one of the few that get to discover this hidden gem rich with history and culture. Your Lower Danube river cruise will probably dock in Mohács but will have excursions to Pécs. Let’s take a closer look at Pécs, Hungary!
A tiny bit of Pécs history
The 2000 years of history has definitley left its mark on Pécs. Due to the changing of power throughout history there have been multiple influences over the history, architecture and culture of this beautiful town. It was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century which left significant remnants of early Christian artifacts. Pécs changed hands between the Romans, Turks, and Hungarians a couple times resulting in cathedrals from different centuries, mosques, and even modern Hungarian architecture.
Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs
During the 4th century, the area of Pécs was called Sopianae. This was an important center of Christianity. The tombs, underground burial chambers, above ground chapels, and mausoleum built during this time are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About 200 years ago excavation revealed a huge collection of sacred monuments. This is a fascinating attraction to not only see the architectural features but also the decorative murals.
Pécs Cathedral (St. Peter and Paul Basilica)
This is one of Pécs most impressive buildings dominated by four 60m towers. It also has an impressive and changing history. The Romans originally completed it in the 12th century. In the 16th century, the cathedral was converted into a Turkish mosque. But it then was brought back to a place of Christian worship. The actual building you will visit is from 1880 but still combines the architectural elements from the historic periods-gothic, renaissance, romanticism, rocco, and classicism. The exterior is stunning but you won’t believe the inside. Check out the frescoes by Hungarian artists, vibrant walls, and the views from one of the towers.
Mosque of Pasha Qasim
The Mosque gives a glimpse of the Ottoman 200-year rule in the 16th century. It is now used for Christian worship so the inside has been renovated but the outside looks original. It will be interesting to see the combination of the Christian and Islamic designs like the crescent moon and the cross on the dome.
If you would like to visit a mosque from the Turkish occupation that still has its minaret, then go to the Jakovali Hassan Mosque. Muslims who live in Pécs worship in this mosque as it is in line with religious doctrines.
Zsolnay Cultural Quarter
The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter encompasses 15 buildings where the Zsolnay family lived in the 19th-20th century. This family was famous for ceramics that Hungarian architects used on prominent Hungarian buildings. Along with a historic porcelain factory, you will also find cafes, restaurants, craft shops, art exhibits, a concert hall for music and theater, ceramics classes, and a university. A bunch of Zsolnay statues surround the area. This is also a great place for kids. They have a playground and an interactive science center. A visit to Zsolnay Fountain will be one of the highlights of your trip to Pécs.
Király Street
Király Street, in the heart of the city, is the main street in Pécs’ “walking zone”. In this bustling atmosphere, you can shop, eat, and walk around enjoying the baroque style buildings. From this part of town, you have easy access to some main attractions like the National Theater, the Palatinus Hotel, and an old monastery.
So, hopefully, you can see that this little town of Pécs, Hungary, just off the Danube river can be an exciting stop on your river cruise vacation.
If you would like to explore more about river cruising down the Lower Danube, click on the Contact Me link at the top of the page!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Here are some other articles you might enjoy reading:
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- 5 Reasons for a pre- or post-cruise extension
- Celebrate with your friends and family post-pandemic
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