About
Pécs is a historic city in the south of Hungary, the county seat of Baranya. Its setting between the hills of the Mecsek and the plains further south gives it a relaxed, lived-in feel, and the city has long been a meeting point of cultures, which is reflected in its names: Fünfkirchen in German and Pečuh in Croatian and Serbian.
The city's history is layered and easy to read on the streets. Its early Christian necropolis is one of its best-known sights, and it sits alongside Ottoman-era architecture that marks the centuries when the region was under Ottoman rule. Pécs was also home to Hungary's first university, a fact that still shapes the city's youthful character and its cafés and cultural life. In 2010 it was European Capital of Culture, an honour that brought a wave of renewed public spaces, museums and events.
What a visit offers
- History on foot: the old town and its monuments can be explored at an unhurried pace.
- Early Christian heritage: the necropolis is the city's most distinctive historical site.
- Ottoman-era buildings: a reminder of the city's varied past across the centuries.
- University atmosphere: the presence of Hungary's first university keeps the city lively.
Planning your trip
Pécs suits a visitor who enjoys walking through a compact historic centre, learning about layered heritage, and spending time in a city that is both old and active. It makes a good stop on a journey through southern Hungary, and its surrounding hills offer a change of scenery from the city streets. Check current opening times and transport links before you go, as these can change.
