Pécs region for Explorers - 2 days

Pécs region

How long it takes?

2 Days

Best vehicle choice for this plan:

public transport

bicycle

bus

This region is famous for:

Day 1

Treasure-filled Baranya comes from the combination of mountains, lakes and natural values. The centre of the county is Sopianae, a must-visit item on the bucket list of all gourmet globetrotters.

Train tour from downtown of Pécs to Zsolnay Quarter

If you prefer to take your tours with a ‘professional’, just hop on to the little sightseeing train on wheels and listen carefully. The Dotto train is not just comfortable, but is genuinely local, and may even know things that people from Pécs may not be aware of. It takes you around Pécs in 50 minutes, and during your journey you’ll meet many smiling and waving locals, as well as covering a large part of the town: the tour starts on the main square and runs up to the Zsolnay Quarter through the narrow streets so typical of Pécs, and some busy roads as well. The train on wheels operates every day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and leaves on the hour every hour from right in front of the Nagy Lajos Secondary Grammar School, returning to the same place. The terminus could not be in a better place, since from here you can start your trip around Pécs and discover the city’s World Heritage relics.

World Heritage relics of the City

As you pass through Káptalan utca, you will see one of the favourite sights of the people of Pécs, the first padlock fence in the country. There are only legends about how it came into being in Pécs and no-one knows anything for sure, but what we do know is that every local youngster and their love put a padlock on the fence. The Cella Septichora Visitor Centre is not far from here. The ancient tombs, which are protected as World Heritage sites, are one of the most important places in Pécs. You are advised to book a guided tour in advance, so that you can learn more secrets about the relics of Pécs.

The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul

And while on the topic of interesting buildings, we should also mention one of the symbols of Pécs, the Cathedral. When you arrive at Dóm tér, take a moment to appreciate the four-towered symbol of Pécs: the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul. Few people know that you can climb up into the lookout tower of the Cathedral – not on your own though, but as part of a guided tour. The view is simply unforgettable. If you can tear yourselves away from the enchanting building, walk down the stairs into the secret Bishop’s Cellar. Legend has it that if Bishop József Cserháti had something secretive to discuss, he invited his confidants to the ‘Texas bar’, which meant the cellar that they accessed through a tunnel. During the era of the party state, this was the place to where they retreated from the palace full of bugs, and where they could discuss issues concealed from the state administration. The passage opens into the garden of the Bishop’s Palace, and you are advised to book your place for the guided tour in advance.

Day 2

Villánykövesd wine cellar system

When you are in Baranya county, and whether you are a wine lover or not, exploring this region has to be about more than just sightseeing. The Villány terroir is known far and wide, and is where you will find the very first wine road in Hungary. Those who are familiar with wines know that the products of the Villány wine region are considered one of the best quality and most popular products in the wine market, both at home and abroad. The most romantic wine cellar system in the region must be the one in Villánykövesd. The tiny, romantic village at the foot of Fekete Hill is not only a treat for wine lovers, but is also a favourite destination for photographers, painters and artists, with its captivating beauty. Most visitors want to see the protected wine cellar system, which is the most spectacular complex of the three-level cellar village. Take a look at the characteristic coloured doors of the cellars and you will immediately understand why people fall in love with this tiny village. But let’s see what’s in store in the village for wine lovers: You can see the current phases of wine production in Villánykövesd, learn what tools winemakers use and, of course, also taste the village’s excellent wines

The Centre of Villány terroir

Villány, the ‘doyen’ of the historic wine region, is only a few minutes away from Villánykövesd by car. One interesting fact from history is that most of the vineyards in Villány were destroyed during the Ottoman rule, and were replanted by the Serbs and Germans who immigrated here later on. These ethnic groups were the catalysts in domesticating the grape varieties Kadarka and Blauer Portugieser, although the grape and wine culture of the region has reached its final form in the past several decades. As a result of wineries applying modern technology of European quality, Villány now teems with wine tourism services. No matter which one you choose – either the Bock Winery, Attila Gere’s Winery or the Sauska Winery – you cannot go wrong with any of them when you visit the historic wine cellar system, which is also the main street in Villány. Many wine cellars also have a restaurant, which are also hard to choose from: gastronomy along the wine cellar system varies from bread-based light afternoon snacks to fine dining. But be sure not to rush your decision: take your time and treat your taste buds in different places.

During your visit

Wine

People from Baranya county will claim that their land produces the best wines in the world. Though you cannot persuade them otherwise, you should definitely try the wines! For instance, the internationally recognised Villányi Portugieser, a variant of which is matured in new barrels and is tapped at the St Martin’s day wine festival. Villányi Franc is another must-taste wine. The Villány wine region seems to be the natural habitat of Cabernet franc, and a premium quality wine is produced here.

Gastronomy

Wild garlic is a very healthy and tasty spice. Locals love the aromatic leaves and in season, they are literally used in everything. The ‘wild garlic ice cream’ might not be to your taste, but cream soup is a popular dish in most restaurants in the town. Swabian communities moved to the region in the 18th century, bringing some excellent recipes with them, such as ‘sufnudli’ (potato dumplings with poppy seeds), and the plum jam you can try in many places in Pécs.

Take a look around

Discover Pécs and Villány

Explore on map

Move around like a hungarian

Places to go

The playful side of lake Balaton

Places to go

Szeged Water Park and Spa

Places to go

The Hungarian Mediterranean on the shores of Lake Balaton: jewels of the Káli Basin

Places to go

Hiking in and around Szeged

Places to go

The playful side of lake Balaton

Places to go

Szeged Water Park and Spa

Places to go

The Hungarian Mediterranean on the shores of Lake Balaton: jewels of the Káli Basin

Places to go

Hiking in and around Szeged