The Bishop's Palace, Pecs (must see)

The Bishop's Palace in Pecs stands as a historic and architectural gem that reflects the city's ecclesiastical and cultural heritage. Its origins trace back to the twelfth century, when it was first inhabited by the Frankish Bishop Bonipert and later by the Hungarian Bishop Mor. Throughout the centuries, the palace has undergone multiple renovations, transforming from its medieval Romanesque and Gothic elements into the Baroque and Neo-Renaissance structures seen today.

King Saint Stephen established the bishopric of Pecs in 1009, which later led to the construction of the palace. However, the church was tragically destroyed when King Solomon and Prince Geza reconciled, necessitating the construction of the Romanesque Basilica that now forms part of the Bishop's Castle complex. The palace itself has seen various reconstructions, particularly after the destruction caused by the Ottoman occupation. In the period between 1751 and 1770, Bishop Gyorgy Klimo commissioned an extensive renovation that reshaped the palace with Baroque and Renaissance influences.

Further modifications in the nineteenth century included the addition of a second story, an ornate facade, and a balcony, where the 1983 statue of Franz Liszt, crafted by Imre Varga, now peers over the courtyard. The structure conceals architectural details from various periods, including Gothic windows and Roman-style layouts hidden beneath its Neo-Renaissance exterior.

Visitors to the Bishop's Palace can explore its inner garden and the secret underground hallway connecting it to the Bishop’s Cellar. The palace also houses a collection of historical artifacts, including religious relics, antique furniture, Flemish tapestries from the era of Maria Theresa, and an intriguing assortment of tobacco pipes and books on smoking. The preserved wooden tobacco pipe of the priest of Ibafa remains one of its more curious artifacts.

As part of the UNESCO-listed Early Christian Necropolis of Pecs, the Bishop’s Palace remains a site of deep historical significance. Its combination of architectural grandeur, hidden historical elements, and cultural heritage make it an essential destination for visitors exploring the rich history of Pecs and Hungary.