Pécs is Hungary’s fifth most populated cities with around 150 000 citizens. The chief-town of Baranya county, that lays at the foot of Mecsek hills in Southern Transdanubia, with a Mediterranean atmosphere, where the spring is full of flowers, the summer is warm, the autumn is pleasant and the winter is mild.
The history of the city starts 2000 years back in time. The ancient roman city, Sopianae is still used in the names of many institutes or products. In the Middle Ages the city was under Turkish control for over 150 years so today there is more heritage from those ages than in any other Hungarian cities. Even today in the main square stands a Islamic mosque, which is one of the main symbols of Pécs.
The early Christian burial site from the 4th century roman city, Sopianae is on the world heritage list since 2000 and with universal historical value, so is one of the highly important cultural heritage sites for the history of humanity. The city’s narrow streets running up the hills and the tiny squares create a peculiar atmosphere. The downtown area is filled with restaurants where you can sit comfortably on the terrace and enjoy the buzzing life of the city. Another remarkable attraction is the huge cathedral with four towers and the beautiful square in front of it, the remains of the city wall and bastion with restaurants scattered all around the space.
Pécs has one of Hungary’s greatest University centres. The first university was founded in the 14th century. The current university has more than 20000 students who make sure that the city is throbbing with life. Within this thriving city are the university faculties located.
Pécs is also known for its prestigious museums, galleries, festivals and other cultural events. The National Theatre of Pécs, the Kodály Centre – resident orchestra: the Pannon Philharmonic orchestra -, the Zsolnay Quarter and the nationwide known ballet company offers interesting programmes, not to mention the Pécs Days, the Zsolnay Light Festival, The Pécs National Theatre Convention, the Pécs City Carnival or the European Winesong Festival.
The region has several sites, attracting tourists: the Mecsek-hills, the Mecsek-Siklós-Villány wine region, the spa in Harkány, the charming old villages of Baranya and the many historical castles in Szigetvár, Siklós, Pécsvárad etc.
Pécs is a very friendly and liveable city. Due to the relatively small distances and the extensive network of the public transportation the different spots can be reached easily and safely. Many taxi companies offer services that are available on a reasonable price level, during day and night. Having experienced the growing number of the bike users recently the city leaders decided to build new bike lanes where the bikers can ride safety across the city. Now the students can pedal from the main dormitories to the Faculties on the brand new bike lanes. Pécs is a real university city which has been an educational centre for centuries.
The town is 2000 years old full of historical spots and beautiful places, and the 20,000 students who live here, find it a pleasant and very convenient place to live in. The high level of education characterises the population. The number of people speaking foreign languages in Pécs is double the national average. The more than 4000 international students studying in Pécs are turning the city a truly multicultural place.
The town is deeply committed to developing its international relations, as proved by the number of its twin cities (Lahti, Osijek, Cluj-Napoca, Arad, Fellbach, Graz, Lyon, Terracina, Novi Sad, Kütahya, Seattle, Tuscon). These relationships enhance participation in international projects, and help in the co-ordination of economic development projects. With the honorary consulates of Austria, Croatia, Finland, Germany and Italy located here, the town is considered to be a sub-centre for diplomacy as well.
