Pécs and Hungary

Hungary at glace

Hungary is a small country in Central Europe in the Carpathian Basin. It is bordered by Austria, Slovakia, the Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Its capital is Budapest, and with its two million inhabitants it is the largest city. The Rivers Danube and Tisza divide the country into three parts, and the River Drava flows along Hungary’s border with Croatia. Lake Balaton and Velence are the biggest out of the country’s numerous lakes. Hungary is also well known for its thermal springs and baths, which offer myriad opportunities for wellness and relaxation.

In 2000, Hungary celebrated its history of 1100 years.

Hungary took an active part in the dismantling of the Berlin Wall and in the collapse of Communism. The nation became the Republic of Hungary in 1989, and went on to hold free elections and has maintained those ever since. As a result of the political transition, Hungary is now a sovereign state with a Western type multi-party system of parliamentary democracy.

The foundations of a true market economy were layed; inflation and interest rates decreased; progressive infrastructure was established through transportation networks, the vast technology sector, financial and supportive business services and top educational system. The Country continues to solve economic problems and sustain the speed of development of the 1990s.
In April 1999, Hungary joined NATO and made the final preparations for its entry into the European Union. The citizens of Hungary approved the country's entry into an enlarged EU in April 2003; and Hungary finally joined the EU in May 2004.

 

City of Pécs

Pécs - A Vibrant and multicultural city with Mediterranean atmosphere

Pécs is the fifth largest city Hungary, located 200 km South from Budapest, near Hungary’s southern border. It has a population of 157,000 people. Pécs, is a gateway to Croatia, and the Balkans. Mysterious Roman crypts, domed Turkish mosques and a slender minaret, fine Zsolnay porcelain, grandiose Csontváry paintings, decorative Vasarely patterns, almond trees in full blossom in early spring, pleasant restaurants and cafés draw the portrait of Pécs, a 2,000 year-old city at the foot of the Mecsek hills with a Sub-Mediterranean climate and atmosphere. The vicinity of the Adriatic, the winding streets of the historic center, the teeming life of the early summer evenings all evoke the feeling of a Mediterranean region. At the same time, Pécs is a regional cultural and university center. Traditions derived from its cultural heritage and from artistic innovation shape its present character. Pécs was a European Capital of Culture in 2010. “Cultures mesh in Hungary’s borderless city” wrote The New York Times and chose Pécs as one of its 46 recommended tourist destinations in 2013.

 

Useful links:

Programs and culture

About tourism, landmarks, regions and culture

English website of the Hungarian Government