Pecs Things to Do

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The main square of Pecs is a relaxing space spoiled only by the occasional wasp. From here the grand mosque looks down upon the smokers, lunchtime sandwich eaters, tourists and unemployed who sit around on the benches surrounding the square. The square itself is sloped, rolling down from the mosque to the streets below the city center.

It's a great place to start any tour of the city, as anything of interest in Pecs can be reached in a few minutes walk from here. It's also a great place to finish any tour, as you can sit down, rest your feet and enjoy a coffee while enjoying the view of possibly the finest buildings in southern Hungary.

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This Turkish built Dzsami is probably one of the best preserved buildings from the the time when the Ottomans were occupying Hungary. In 1975 it was reconstructed to it's original form because in the 17-th century the building was donated to the Christian church. The original Turkish paintings can be seen today. This is right at the upper section of Szechenyi Ter and can be seen very nicely in the dark too. Please click on more photos under the image to see a night shot of this place, Thank you!

The City Hall can be seen from the main plaza, Szechenyi Ter, and it is a beautiful building, inside and out, especially at night, when it's nicely lit and and you see the traffic and people walking by it. The building itself is 100 years old and has been professionally renovated. The firs City hall was erected here in the 19-th century but exploded and this was built in it's place.

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Vasvary House or Zsolnay mausoleum is a very interesting place, even if you never set foot inside. The beauty of the building itself is an experience on it's own. Vasvary House is a museum in downtown Pecs and it's worth a visit when time permits.

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Built after 1498 after Colonel Kinizsi Pál visited the city, Barbakán fortress, mostly used in the 15-th century and it was part of the wall protecting the city from the Turkish / Ottoman occupations and attacks. During these attacks the citizens of Pecs could seek refuge inside the walls of the fortress. It also has many shooting holes, so guns and other weapons could be fired from the bastion. A large gate connecting the outside with the inside were pulled up and only opened during peaceful periods. Entry to the fortress and the bastion is free, so it's worth visiting this place, when in Pecs.

I know there is a Heroes Square in Budapest, but there is also a Heroes Square in Pecs. This one is mostly for the miners of the city. Once Pecs was an important mining central of the nation, but now days most coal mines are closed. Heroes Square is a small plaza with the statue of a soldier, a miner and an ancient Hungarian leader on top. This place can be a little iffy if visiting alone, as it is located in an area that doesn't belong to the best neighborhoods of the city. Just exercise general caution here and try going during the day.

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This also applies to Budapest, but in a historic city, such as Pecs, You don't even need to go to a museum to see beautiful art. It's everywhere on the buildings, doors, walls, gates. The entire city is full of outdoor art and many of them are older than my grandfather. Just walk around and look up on the building walls and you will see what I'm talking about...

Zsolnay Memorial fountain right in downtown Pecs, Only steps away from Szechenyi Plaza. This beautiful fountain has four sides and four, greenish bull heads. Erected to the memory of Vilmos Zsolnay, member of the legendary Zsolnay Family, Former owners of the Pottery / Porcelain factory in pecs. This monument / fountain was built in 1912, but only erected in 1930 and it survived the Second World War. A beautiful piece of genuine art.