Visiting Pecs
 

I am going to spend the majority of my time in Budapest this fall, but Pecs also looks interesting. Any suggestions for things to see? Restaurants? Hotels?

I've asked this question a while back and never got a response, so I'm topping this one. Please can anyone out there help us? Thank you for any help. Any reasonable rooms for rent also. <BR> <BR>Alice

Pecs is the third largest city in Hungary, so you'll have a lot to get around and see. It is also one of the oldest cities, having been founded by the Romans about 2000 years ago. It has several unique churches, including the Parish Church, the Ignorantine Church, the beautiful Pecs Cathedral from the 11th century. The Bishop's Palace is also remarkable. There's a big square in the old town with several art galleries nearby. <BR><BR>When I was there a few years ago, the best restaurant was the Elefant Sorozo. The most popular hotel was the Hotel Nador, right on the town square. I understand that several newer hotels have now been built, but I don't know their names. <BR><BR>Overall, Pecs is a rather attractive city, but it is indeed a large city, not a little village.

Zsolnay has a museum there if you're into secession pottery and tiles.

I've visited Pecs a number of times. I've put some information on my pages at Virtual Tourist: http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.137511/1147/?s=c<BR><BR>My other trips to Hubgary including Pecs start here: http://travelswithus.net/hun-index.html<BR><BR>It is beautiful -- please email mne with any questions.

Pecs was one of our more delightful surprises in Hungary. Yes, it is the third largest city, but, it has the feel of a village, particularly in the old sction around Szechenyi Ter, the central square. The square is on an incline with lawn in the center and is very active night and day. Pecs is second only to Budapest as a center for the arts. Museums and galleries abound. It is the home of the Zsolnay Ceramics Factory; beautiful porclain. The Pecs Cathedral dates back to the 11th century and has recently gone through a complete refurbishment. The Mosque of Pasha, now a Catholic Church, is a holdover from the Turkish occupation. Ask the attendent to turn on the lights (costs about a quarter American) for the best effect. The Pecs Synagogue is beautiful with its original oak interior. The walls and ceiling are painted with geometrical designs. Read the sad tale of Pecs Jews told by the pictures on the wall. <BR>The modern city is equally charming with tree lined streets and many parks. Take in the Peccsi Vasar, the Pecs flea market where antique china is side by side with homemade preserves. It is open every day, but Sunday is the best. Shop at the "pedestrian only" streets like Ferencesek utca. Most of the artifacts are handmade.<BR>Outdoor cafes and restaurants are everywhere.<BR>We stayed at the Hotel Palatinus, a three star right in the cenetr of the old section. We had a top floor room with marvelous views over the city. If you don't stay here, visit the lobby anyway to take in the old marble staircase and walls. The Mecsek Tourist or Tourist Office right on the central square will help you find a room meeting your requirements. There are restaurants all around the square and the food is generally good (don't seem to have succumbed to "take the tourist" yet. One of our best dinners was at Bagolyvar Etterem up in the hills of Pecs. The views are marvellous. The food, service and wine list are excellent. The Dom Vendeglo down in the old section is run bt the same people and is also very good. By the way, the wine Egri Bikaver is good again since the Communists are no longer running the wineries. The wines of Tokaj (not just dessert) are excelent.<BR>Pecs is a very charming, vibrant city. We loved it.

Thanks for the detailed replies. I'm encouraged--by the pictures both in words and also on the sites you've sent me to. Koszonom szapen! (with some diacritics, I think that's "Thank you very much")

http://www.budapestsun.com/article.asp?Article=Style<BR><BR>Story about Pecs