On the slopes of the Mecsek Mountains is a beautiful city that sees way fewer tourists than other European destinations. Pécs is the fifth-largest city in Hungary, situated in the country’s southwest, near the border with Croatia.
Hungary sees far fewer tourists than the major European holiday spots, with just under 17 million visitors in 2019, compared to Italy’s 64.5 million and France’s 90 million. Pécs has a rich cultural and architectural heritage stemming from 150 years of Ottoman rule, and is home to the largest number of Turkish Ottoman buildings in any city in Central Europe.
In recent times, it has been recognised for its cultural heritage, including being named as one of the European Capitals of Culture. Pécs is a very walkable city, particularly its downtown area, which is compact and packed with attractions. A good example of the city’s history and interesting past can be seen in Szechenyi Square, where the Gazi Kasim Mosque still stands, and, although consecrated as a church following the retreat of the Ottoman Turks centuries ago, the crescent moon of Islam is still visible on the cupola, surmounted by a cross.
Pécs is the richest town in Hungary in terms of Turkish architecture, with the ruins of Memi Pasa’s Baths and the mausoleum of the miracle worker Idris Baba as two notable remaining examples. The Yakovalı Hasan Paşa Mosque, dating back to the mid-1600s, remains an active mosque to this day.
The Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs, extensive Roman tombs and mausoleums dating from around the 4th century, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is also home to the oldest university in the country, which dates back to the 14th century. and is one of its major cultural centres.
The Mecsek hills are characterised by numerous valleys, which play a crucial role in moderating the city’s climate, as they are devoid of lakes and rivers.
Waters coming down from the Mecsek hills flow into the Pécsi stream under the east–west railroad leading them eventually to the Danube.
Those looking to visit Pécs can get there via non-stop flights from London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Birmingham, and Bristol. The city has lots of accommodation, such as hotels, holiday lets, and AirBnBs.