Pecs Cathedral, Pecs (must see)

The Saints Peter and Paul's Cathedral Basilica, commonly known as Pecs Cathedral, is a historic Roman Catholic church in Pecs, serving as the seat of the Diocese of Pecs. With foundations dating back to the Roman period in the fourth century, the site has undergone numerous transformations reflecting Hungary's complex history.

Originally, an early Christian basilica stood on the site, expanding westward between the eighth and ninth centuries. Under the reign of Stephen I, the cathedral underwent modifications, with the construction of its two western towers believed to date from this period. A significant fire in 1064 led to the reconstruction of the church in the Romanesque style, involving Italian architects. During the Middle Ages, additional Gothic chapels and two lateral towers further enhanced the structure.

The cathedral endured considerable damage during the Turkish occupation (1543–1686), necessitating later restoration efforts. Its current neo-Romanesque design stems from a major reconstruction between 1882 and 1891, overseen by Viennese architect Friedrich von Schmidt, who sought to faithfully recreate its medieval grandeur.

The cathedral's interior is equally remarkable. Its main altar, crowned by an ornate baldachin, is a focal point, while the grand arch visually divides the space into two halves. A highlight of the choir is a four-manual organ with over 6,000 pipes, crafted by the renowned Angster Organ Factory of Pecs. The Chapels of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Corpus Christi feature stunning seccos by Karoly Lotz, while the works of Bertalan Szekely adorn the Chapel of Mary and the Chapel of Saint Mor.

The 12th-century five-nave crypt is a key historical feature, notable for its vast cross-vaulted design. During archaeological excavations, the mortal remains of Janus Pannonius, a celebrated Humanist poet and former Bishop of Pecs, were rediscovered and reinterred here, marked by a commemorative sculpture.

The Pecs Cathedral has been a defining city landmark. Briefly converted into a mosque during the 16th-century Turkish occupation, it was restored as a church in 1686. Mihaly Pollack added Gothic Revival elements in the early 19th century, but structural issues remained. A late 19th-century renovation stabilized the building, reviving its medieval character. In 1990, Pope John Paul II’s visit reaffirmed its historical and religious significance. Today, it stands as an architectural and spiritual cornerstone of Hungary.