In the Southern part of the Trans-Danubian district, which is traversed by the railway lines Budapest-Fiume and Budapest-Eszek, rises a beautiful wooded range of hills called Mecsek. At its foot lies the town Pecs, the Quinque ecclesiae of the Romans, once the seat of a University. Its beautiful Roman Cathedral, with three naves and four towers, which existed even in the 11th Century, is now, since its restoration by Fr. Schmidt (1883-91), one of the finest Churches in Hungary. Old sculptures of primitive style, and a curious five-aisled Crypt under the choir, lend it especial interest; the subterranean Chapel, with remarkable frescoes of the 4th century is also very interesting. Pécs suffered long under Turkish rule; this is recalled by the Parish Church, which was then a Mosque, and the Hospital Chapel with its high Minaret. Today Pecs is developing rapidly and possesses a prosperous industry, a prominent feature of which is the celebrated Zsolnay Majolica Factory. The neighbouring hills produce excellent wine, which is sold under the name of Villanyi.

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Adapted from Illustrated Description of Hungary and its Capital