Those choosing Szentlőrinc for a stay will find a clear historical focus: the town’s development is closely linked to its former role in the railway network. The Brantner-Koncz House and the Baroque church offer further insight into its architectural and cultural history.
Szentlőrinc and its railway history
When the Pécs–Barcs railway line opened in 1868, Szentlőrinc became an important railway stop. The Budapest–Szentlőrinc line followed in 1882, and the Szentlőrinc–Slatina–Našice local railway was added in 1895. These stages saw the town develop into a railway junction. The chronology shows how its historical role changed as further lines were built.
The steward’s house and Baroque church
The Brantner-Koncz House is a preserved, heritage-listed steward’s house from the 18th century. Today, it is a museum run by a foundation, devoted to bourgeois domestic culture in the 19th and 20th centuries. If you are planning a museum visit, check access in advance.
The Baroque church was built in 1718 by Countess Mária Breiner and is protected as a monument of national importance. Its organ also has its own history: József Lesnyik and Ernő Kész built it around 1880; in 1937, it was rebuilt by the Angster factory (Opus 1137). Together, the church and organ illustrate different stages in architectural history. The steward’s house, by contrast, offers a different focus: bourgeois domestic culture across two centuries.
Szentlőrinc can thus be explored through two historical perspectives: the development of transport and the surviving evidence of architecture and domestic culture. The dates mentioned bring these themes to life, even though they do not all belong to a single period.
More cultural and natural attractions in Baranya
In the wider destination of Baranya, Pécs offers further cultural highlights. The early Christian Necropolis of Sopianae includes decorated tombs dating from the 4th century. Underground burial chambers, above-ground memorial chapels and richly decorated Christian wall paintings characterise these burial sites. The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter features exhibitions including “Golden Age of Zsolnay,” “Pink Exhibition” and an exhibition on the family and factory history. Attractions for children include outdoor playgrounds, an interactive lab, a planetarium, the Bóbita Puppet Theatre, a ceramic-painting workshop and classes at the Hercules Workshop. The Quarter’s freely accessible outdoor area can be entered and used free of charge during opening hours; check the opening hours in advance.
Near Szaporca, the Ős-Dráva Visitor Centre in the wider destination of Baranya presents topics related to agriculture and nature. It includes an interactive exhibition, an agricultural demonstration area with hands-on farming, and three themed educational trails. They cover traditional agriculture, the Ős-Dráva Programme and the wildlife along the Drava. The agricultural area features native Hungarian domestic animals, including Hungarian Grey cattle, Mangalica pigs, Hucul horses, and traditional sheep and poultry breeds. The wilderness trail along the Old Drava also has a birdwatching and bird-ringing station, a viewpoint, a photography hide, a covered activity area and several rest areas.
Discover more destinations: Bükkösd, Helesfa, Dinnyeberki, Hetvehely.
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Szentlőrinci.
