Pecs, Photo: Ivana Kovačević

I was born in the plains of Vojvodina, but I never loved nor felt affiliation. In winter the wind blows crazy, depression government, flying scorching sun, they are all slow and seemed to have no goals in life, as it were reconciled to the situation led to behold, there are, where they are and what now.

This situation I expected when we went to Pecs. Weekend trip, something new to see and experience, but as living in Vojvodina and all the plains, two days enough. However …

In 2010 Pécs was rebuilt and renovated as a cultural capital of Europe has become very attractive to tourists from all over the world. The slogan was “Borderless City”. And yes, he really is.

Pecs Photo: Ivana Kovačević

It is the fifth largest city and considered by many the most beautiful city in Hungary after Budapest. Known for its numerous churches, museums and a good mild climate. Pecs has the longest year in Hungary as it is located in the valley. It is located in the south of Hungary, near the Croatian border, and to the first border town about 40 km.

One of the largest university cities in Central Europe. In 1367, in the town was founded the first university in Hungary. Today there are a dozen universities and a population of about 30 000 students this cultural capital give a special touch. A mixture of youth and long historical heritage is unique and special Pecs.

Evidence large student and youthful love housed in Janus Pannonius street. A metal fence is thousands of locks, which hung as a symbol of love. Although this usage today can be seen in almost every city, it is considered that derives precisely from this town that was built in the 19th century.

Pecs Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Around the city there are a number of trails and several lakes where tourists and locals to enjoy. Nature is beautiful and a great place to relax, barbecue or walk. There are even cycling tracks of the city of Pécs to the lake. To end the day we climbed to the television tower and surprised by the size of Pecs. TV tower is almost 200 meters, and for visitors there on the lookout and restaurant. It was built in the early seventies on the Mecsek, the hill above the town.

Pay attention and try to eat always appreciated good Hungarian cuisine. It is a special pleasure to sit in one of restaurant and enjoy in typical Hungarian intense and spicy flavors and large portions.

Pecs Photo: Ivana Kovačević

We enjoyed both the central street: give it a special charm bars and pubs with live music where you can feel the good vibes of the city.

Székesegyház cathedral is the grandest church in the region, built in the 12th century on the foundations of the church from the 5th century.

In the central part of the square is located Kasim Pasha Mosque, which is to say that the most recognizable and most significant buildings of Pécs copy of Ottoman architecture in Hungary. By coming to this region, the Turks in 1543 built a mosque at the site of former Gothic church of Sv. Bartholomew. After the Habsburg-Hungarian troops liberated the city, the mosque in 1702 was converted into a church. The only visible change is that Jesus’ crucifixion was raised above the mihrab. Even the original Arabic inscriptions in the interior remained intact.
Barbakán tower circular from the 15th century was built for the visit of the princes of Pála Kinizsi 1498, at a time when the threat of Turkish attacks in the south of Hungary modernized and enhanced defense systems fortresses and cities.
Turks during their rule of the Christian church destroyed or turned into mosques, but at the same time establish a Serbian bishop for a large number of Serbian mercenaries in their army, while the Catholic clergy pay taxes Serbian bishoprics. According to written documents in Pecs was during the Turkish existed Serbian Orthodox Church, but was later converted into a cafe.
Franciscan church located on the site of a medieval church which the Turks after the occupation turned into a mosque. The Franciscans have a long history of Pecs, and was first mentioned in 1280.

Beautiful nucleus of a small town in which to mix centuries, cathedrals, churches, mosques with a cross on top.

Pecs Photo: Ivana Kovačević

I was especially delighted to part of the square where they planted herbs. It would be super cool it exists in every city, so when you return from a walk pluck plants of fresh basil that will brighten your lunch.

Here are all reachable by foot.

Would the citizens of the city of Pecs known, lots of greenery, park in the center is designed so that you can bring your own food and drink and sit at wooden tables and enjoy.

In the basement of the beautiful cathedral, is the phenomenal wine cellar. In the past, every house had its own wine cellar, which at that time visited only by men. Women were not desirable unless they came by their men to help them to come to the house. Luckily, these customs are now long forgotten.

Museums are a different story. In this city there are 15.

Not far from the Culture Center is located Zsolnay Mausoleum, also known as Pecs Pantheon. Put it to adorn the 42 figure lava placed along the staircase leading to the front door.

Pecs Photo: Ivana Kovačević

It was built by Miklos Zsolnay, after the death of his father, close their factories. Zsolnay’s famous Hungarian factory for the production of ceramics, porcelain and bricks in Pecs was founded in 1853. Thanks to its innovation and presentation at international fairs, the plant has become world-famous. Particularly noteworthy is the ceramics pirogranit weather resistant, patented in the factory. It is covered and decorated with more than 1 000 buildings across Europe.

Zsolnay Cultural Center is located outside the city center, but it can also reach on foot. Various cultural and educational organizations have moved here, creating an active cultural quarter.

This neighborhood was a favorite gathering place for tourists and locals, except for a permanent exhibition, here are held various festivals and performances outdoors. The former factory building is now a concert hall and conference center equipped with modern amenities.

Pecs Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Southeast of the city is grown grapes and produced the famous Hungarian wines. They make Pecs and is called “the city of wine and grapes.” I certify that great.

Pecs has left me in good memory and a special feeling. We never thought to lock the padlock on the above-mentioned metal fence but we’re lucky that our love that began in Pecs continues unabated.

By: Ivana Kovačević