We had our first encounter with Soviet-era infrastructure on the train ride from Budapest to Pecs. Unsurprisingly running late (due to unforeseen broken ticket machines on the Metro) we arrived at the train station hot and sweaty and barely in time to catch the final train of the day to Pecs. We hopped on the train and were immediately faced with brutally hot and cramped conditions on a train that was far older than me. Needless to say we were eager to disembark 4 hours later in Pecs.
While I had never heard of Pecs until stumbling across it a few weeks ago in a guidebook, it turned out to be a fantastic stop on our journey towards the Adriatic coast. Recently named as Europe's Cultural Capital for 2010, Pecs oozed charm. It also showcased the multicultural legacy of southwestern Hungary. Our hotel was next to a beautiful and massive old synagogue, the main square was dominated by the 'Mosque Church' whose steeple features a cross atop a crescent moon, and rising above the city is the massive Basilica of St Peter.
In addition to wandering around, sampling gelato and coffee at various cafes, touring some of the old churches and museums, and hiking up and around the turrets of the old city walls, we were also lucky to experience Pecs' Gastronomy Festival! We had a great night full of sampling Hungarian wines (deservedly not famous), amazing food (lots of fried stuff in red sauces and some amazing grilled sugared donuts, like round Hungarian churros), and live music and dance. It was another great night.
Main Square, Pecs
No comments:
Post a Comment