Visitors considering Pécs for a cultural stay will find several distinct highlights: Zsolnay ceramics heritage, architectural history, art collections, archaeological heritage and theatre. When planning, it helps to think about which themes you want to shape your trip.
Zsolnay Heritage and Architectural History
The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter is located on the restored grounds of the former ceramics factory owned by the Zsolnay family and preserves the Zsolnays’ heritage. Its parks and promenades are adorned with 15 protected historic buildings and 88 public Zsolnay sculptures. The history of the factory, architecture and public art offer different ways to explore a shared theme. If you are especially interested in Zsolnay heritage, you can make it a focus when planning your trip to Pécs.
Two widely separated building periods meet at the cathedral: its foundations were laid in the 11th century, while its present appearance dates from the late 19th century and follows a design by Frigyes Schmidt, also known as Friedrich von Schmidt. The Barbakan draws attention to a different type of architecture. The Gothic gate tower was part of the bishop’s castle and served defensive purposes. Thus, religious and military architecture stand side by side as distinct aspects of architectural history.
Széchenyi Square offers another point of reference in the city: it is a lively centre of downtown Pécs. Its attractions include the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, the Zsolnay Fountain and the bronze equestrian statue of János Hunyadi. Those interested in the city’s public realm will find several named architectural and artistic works gathered in one square.
Museums, Archaeology and Art
The Cella Septichora Visitor Centre displays six two-storey tombs designated as Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 19 and 20. There are also two larger, single-room buildings: the Cella Septichora and Tomb No. 5. The Dome Lapidary offers a different focus, showcasing significant sculptural works through stone carvings from the cathedral. Together, the two sites offer different ways to explore archaeological finds and sculpture.
The art museums also each have a clear focus. At the Csontváry Museum, you can view paintings by Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka. The Vasarely Museum features a permanent exhibition by Op Art artist Győző Vasarely. The collections differ in their artists and artistic approaches, so you can plan your visit around whichever focus interests you more.
Theatre, Tastings and Other Interests
The Croatian Theatre of Pécs performs in Croatian, serves the cultural needs of Hungary’s Croatian minority and welcomes everyone with an interest. It also presents Hungarian plays and related artistic performances. If you plan to attend a particular performance, check the current programme separately.
At the five-storey Littke Palace Pezsgőpince, visitors can learn about traditional champagne-making and sample champagne. If you would like to include this experience in your plans, confirm the visiting arrangements before your trip.
The Pécs Zoo and Aquarium-Terrarium offers a different kind of outing. It covers four hectares and is home to 1,500 specimens from 300 species; collection numbers may change. It therefore complements the art, architecture and museum themes with a distinct focus on animals and biodiversity. Which of these attractions you include depends on which aspects of Pécs you want to focus on during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Kozármisleny, Áta, Pogány, Abaliget, Orfű, Regenye, Cserkút, Kővágótöttös.
Go to the main travel overview: Pécs.
