13 May 2008

Taking a nap by the Danube


11 May 2008

Pécs - once a crossroads of culture, now just another part of the EU






This European Union city was called Sopianae in Roman times and a very interesting Paleo-Christian necropolis remains. Notice Peter and Paul pointing to the chrismon that has now become a symbol of the city of Pécs



Pécs was also a frontier town of the Ottoman Empire, and when the Ottomans were kicked out the huge mosque in the city center was converted into a church. Interestingly, probably as part of some kind of cultural initiative in 1986 (300 years after the city was retaken), you can find the first chapter of the Qur'an translated into Hungarian and displayed prominently right by the altar behind a painting of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus!



A rare treat, only the second synagogue I have been able to visit and the first I have been able to photograph. It was built in 1869.