Ten bucket-list destinations – sights to discover around Pécs and Villány

Where else could this cultural journey begin than at (1) Széchenyi Square, the main square in Pécs, and the striking (2) Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kassim, which you will easily recognise thanks to its green dome. This is the very heart of the city’s two-millennia-long story, where charming cafés and historic buildings ask you to linger.

If you want to delve deeper into ancient history, a short walk takes you to (3) the Early Christian Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that transports you straight back to Roman times. It’s well worth exploring the exhibition spaces too, so you can truly absorb every detail of the last two thousand years.

Another unmissable stop is the (4) Vasarely Museum, dedicated to the life’s work of the world-famous Hungarian-born painter Victor Vasarely. His optical illusions and geometric compositions captivate visitors of all ages and add a vibrant contemporary layer to the city’s cultural scene.

If you’re curious about a functioning mosque, Pécs offers that as well: beside the Jakovali Hassan Pasha Mosque you’ll find (5) one of Hungary’s oldest surviving Ottoman-era mosques, which is still in use.

For a breathtaking panorama, head to the city’s tallest building, the Pécs TV Tower, which rises 197 metres above the landscape: (6.) From here you can pick out your next destination in the wine region or the Mecsek hills, while the colourful patchwork of buildings climbing the hillside unfolds beneath you.

The (7) Pécs National Theatre, which opened in 1895, is one of the jewels of the city centre. Its impressive Neo-Baroque façade and ornate auditorium are worth a look in their own right. Throughout the season, the theatre offers a rich and varied programme, from classical and contemporary drama to musical productions, operettas and large-scale musicals. If you’re a theatre enthusiast, late May and early June are essential dates: this is when the prestigious POSZT – the Pécs National Theatre Festival takes place.

You simply cannot leave the city without visiting the (8) Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, home to the world-renowned porcelain factory. Stroll through the Zsolnay courtyard, admire the glazed ceramics and explore the exhibitions showcasing the finest achievements of Hungarian applied arts.

Villány’s wine cellars, tastings, warm hospitality, accommodation and scenic sunsets offer unforgettable moments among the hilly vineyard. Taste Hungary’s most celebrated red wines — cabernet, merlot and pinot noir. The charming wine villages nearby, such as (10) Palkonya, attract visitors with terraces, peaceful walking paths and organised activities, while the rolling hills of the Villány Mountains provide the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon walk. 

The (+1) Nagyharsány Sculpture Park, set across a vast area on one of the region’s hills, is great if you love visual arts. The meeting of contemporary sculpture and nature is bound to awaken the artist within you — and you’ll be sure to get great pictures! If you visit on a sunny day, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.

If you’re planning a longer stay and search for “Villány accommodation”, you’ll find a wide range of comfortable hotels and welcoming guesthouses ready to put you up.