A Mediterranean city

Pécs is located in the south of Hungary - 228 km from Budapest. It is easily reachable from the capital - the train ride takes approximately 3 hours. The unique atmosphere of Pécs is largely determined by the fact that it is a university city with more than thirty five thousand national and international students studying at the University of Pécs. The city centre, with its ancient Christian remains from the Roman years, was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000 by UNESCO.

The city is famous for its colorful roof tiles created by a local craftsman called Vilmos Zsolnay. Numerable sights in the city bear his name including fountains, statues, and a museum that have either been made by him or have been dedicated to him. The main square is dominated by the Pasha Kasim Mosque - the most important reminder of the Ottoman occupation. The mosque, however, functions today as a Roman Catholic parish. Other significant sights of the square are the Statue of  the Holy Trinity and that of János Hunyadi riding a horse. The latter one is a commonly used meeting point by the locals - we often say "let's meet by the horse". 

For those who enjoy hiking Mecsek hills provide many trails - takes less than half an hour to reach the bottom of the hills from the centre. On the top you find the TV tower which gives a breathtaking view over the city and the region. The more adventurous ones can even hike over the hills where they will find three lakes. The less adventurous ones can choose a half-an-hour bus ride instead of the four-hour-hike :)

In this region you also find some of the finest wine producing places in Hungary - there are organized wine tasting tours which should not be missed if you want to acquaint yourself with the local tastes. If you can try to visit during the harvest season when there are festivals all over the country. You can enjoy that heavenly liquid - wine :) -  while listening to Hungarian folk music and watch folk dances. That will give you the chance to experience Hungarian culture in depth.

So if you visit Hungary do spend time in our beautiful capital but take the time to have a look at the countryside as well! You won't regret i promise! :)