Basilica of Pécs

The origin of the Cathedral of Pécs dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. The foundation of the present crypt was built at the end of the 4th century. In the 8th- 9th centuries the building was enlarged at western side. The original church became a crypt in King Stephen's time in such way that the present tabernacle was built above it. The origin of the two western towers also dates back to this time. Two other towers were built in the Middle Ages. The chapels were raised in the Gothic times.

The Turkish conquest (1543-1686) caused different damages of the Cathedral. The restoring attempts of different bishops caused different styles to mix in the church. In 1807 it was rebuilt in classic style by Hungarian architect Mihály Pollack. The arches on the front face were pointed.

The Cathedral gained its present form between 1882-1891. Bishop Nándor Dulánszky selected Frigyes Schmiedt for leading the reconstruction. The church regained its Roman style and became a national value famous throughout Europe.

Description: length: 70 m; width : 40 m; height of towers: 60 m. The statues of the 12 Apostles on the southern face were made by Károly Antal. In the sanctuary the pictures of the main aisle show acts of the New Testament, while on the walls of the side-aisles scenes of St. Peter's life can be seen. They were painted by Karl Andräe (Köln). In the main aisle of the church pictures showing scenes of the Old Testament were painted by Mór Beckerath (Munich). Also, he was the one to paint the life of St. Paul on the walls of the side-aisle. An organ with 71 combination stands is built on the chore. The organ was built by Angster Organ workshop and it was rebuilt in 1975.

The crypt is the oldest part of the Cathedral with 5 aisles, it is 5 m high. The reliefs at the entrance-stairs were made by György Zala. They were made after the originals created in the 11th century.

The chapels: pictures in chapels Heart of Christ and Corpus Christi were painted by Károly Lotz. The world-famous pictures of Bertalan Székely can be seen in Chapel Mary and in the chapel named after St. Mauritius Bishop of Pécs (1036-1070). The pictures show scenes of Hungarian history and the life of St. Mauritius. In the chapel Corpus Christi the altar of bishop Szathmáry (1506) can be seen. At the same place there is the copf-style baptizing fountain made by Simon Aichinger in 1792.

The last restoration of the Cathedral was between 1962-1968.

The church is exclusively maintained from donations.