It’s time to get to know: the magical city in Europe

While Israeli tourists continue to choose Budapest for its atmosphere, food and warm hospitality, another Hungarian destination is quietly beginning to climb center stage. Pécs, a compact and pleasant city in the south of Hungary, offers a rich history, a relaxed atmosphere and a beauty that does not have the density and pace of the major tourist cities in Europe.

Pec lies at the foot of the Mecsek mountain range near the border with Croatia. The alleys of the old city lead to shady squares, cafes slide onto the street, and the distance between the main sites is so short that there is no need to plan in advance. The historic city center features medieval buildings, Ottoman remains, and colorful 19th-century buildings, all within easy walking distance.

There are few cities in Central Europe where so many historical time periods are intertwined in one small place. In Pech, Roman foundations, early Christian tombs, medieval churches, colorful buildings from the 19th century and Ottoman remains combine, all creating a dense and fascinating cultural mosaic. One of the symbols of the city is the early Christian necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where tombs and mausoleums from the fourth century that have been preserved under the modern city. In the Szechenyi Square stands the Ottoman Mosque of Pasha Kasem, which today functions as a church but still bears the crescent symbol on its dome, a reminder of the era of 150 years of Ottoman rule in the region.

Pécs is considered the richest city in Hungary in terms of Ottoman architecture. The Yakubali Hasan Pasha Mosque is still active, and the remains of Mami Pasha’s bathhouse and Idris Baba Mausoleum complete the historical picture. These are joined by the oldest university in Hungary, founded in the 14th century, making Pécs a city where history is not only significant, but also alive and breathing.

In the eyes of many Israeli tourists, Budapest is a beloved, accessible and safe destination, and it will continue to be so. But Petch offers a different experience: a calmer, more intimate city, with a cultural depth that is not always felt in big cities. Pécs was previously crowned for a year the cultural capital of Europe, and this is evident in almost every corner. Live music in the squares, students filling the cafes, small galleries and local designer shops hidden in side alleys. Wine lovers also find a little paradise here: the Pecs-Vilani region, near the city, is one of the most appreciated wine regions in Hungary.

Getting to Pécs from Budapest is simple, a two and a half hour drive by train or car, which makes it an ideal destination for a short vacation of two or three days. The variety of accommodation options is wide, from hostels, hotels to holiday apartments. The mild climate produced by the valleys surrounding the city, together with a city center built especially for pedestrians, make visiting the city comfortable.