Pécs: City of Churches
Pecs is the fifth largest city in Hungary. The capital of the province Baranya, it is located near the Croatian border. In 2004, the city had a population of 160,000. With settlements dating back to the late Stone Age, Pecs is one of the oldest cities in Hungary. By the third century B.C., Pecs was the capital of the Roman province Pannonia. Later it was called Quinque Ecclesiae, which led to the German name Fünfkirchen (Five Churches). In 1367, the first Hungarian university was founded in Pecs. Between 1543 and 1686 the city was under Turkish rule. After that it became part of Hungary.
Pecs is seat of a catholic diocese, host to a university, center to the Danube Swabians and home to nine ethnic minorities, all of which have their own administrations. In addition, Pecs is an important train junction and industrial region that produces coal, uranium, leather, ceramics, beer, cigarettes and electronics. The operations of the local mining industry have been temporarily suspended for improvements. Since December 2003, the city has been home to an airport that accommodates aircraft of up to 40 tons. Pecs is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Hungary. Its mild climate, its location at the foot of the Mecsek Mountains and its numerous architectural landmarks add a very Mediterranean atmosphere to the city. Moreover, the Early Christian Necropolis of Pecs (Sopanae) has been appointed a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000.
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