Our southernmost city, Pécs: sights, secrets and hidden treasures

There is no end of things to do in and around Pécs at the weekend. One of Hungary’s cultural capitals, the city is full of places worth discovering. You can visit the Early Christian Mausoleum, part of the 4th-century necropolis, at the Cella Septichora Visitor Centre; it houses Central Europe’s richest collection of Roman-era finds and has been protected by UNESCO since 2000. On Széchenyi Square stands the Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kassim, an Ottoman-era monument, which is now used as a Roman Catholic church, complete with its beautiful minaret and frescoes. And don’t miss the Zsolnay Quarter: the famous porcelain manufactory’s glazed fountains, pavilions and museum make it an ideal destination for meaningful family time.

Throughout the year, the historic centre of Pécs comes alive with weekend events. In June, the Zsolnay Picnic (6–7 June) and the Sétatér Festival (25–28 June) bring concerts and food stalls to the Zsolnay Quarter and Saint Stephen’s Square. In September, the Wine & Music Harvest Festival (10–13 September) and the Pécs Days (23–27 September) fill Széchenyi Square with dancing and local wines. In winter, Advent in Pécs (27 November–24 December) offers a festive Christmas market and concerts to warm the season’s weekends.

Just 15 kilometres from the city lies the Abaliget Cave, the longest stream cave in the Mecsek. The Bat Museum, showcasing 28 Hungarian bat species, is also well worth a visit. Deep in the Mecsek forest, above Magyaregregy, stand the romantic ruins of the 13th-century Máré Castle, offering a picturesque panorama. Óbánya—often called “the Hungarian Switzerland”—invites gentle walks and peaceful slowing-down with its protected valley village, the Slanted Waterfall and the Dripping Rock. Finally, the Püspökszentlászló Palace and its 27-hectare arboretum at the foot of the Zengő provide an energizing retreat among rare ornamental trees and shrubs. 

The jewel of the South Baranya wine region, Villány, which is just 30 kilometres from Pécs, offers a wealth of events throughout the year. Its best-known attraction is the historic wine cellar row in Villánykövesd, where 57 colourful press houses tempt visitors to walk in and have a taste. While in the area, the Templom-hegy Lookout and the Ammonite Study Trail are well worth the climb, rewarding you with breathtaking views over the vineyards. The Siklós Castle hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions, while the Nagyharsány Sculpture Park has hundreds of limestone works on the site of a former quarry. Both are excellent spots for active relaxation, and children will love the wide-open spaces.

If you’re going to Villány, the then wine should take centre stage: cellar tours and tastings are available all year round. The Villány Red Wine Festival in early October brings gastronomy, a game-cooking competition and concerts to the historic cellar row; an ideal weekend outing for couples or groups of friends.