Episcopal Cellar Museum, Pecs

The Episcopal Cellar Museum in Pecs is a fascinating blend of historical viniculture and ecclesiastical heritage, offering visitors an immersive experience in one of Hungary’s oldest wine-producing regions. Located beneath the Granary Visitor Information Centre, the museum occupies an 18th-century wine cellar that once served as the primary storage space for the bishop’s estate. The grand, two-story underground chamber, built by Bishop Ferenc Nesselrode in the early 1700s, was integral to the episcopal residency and remains a vital part of the region’s wine culture.

The museum showcases wines from four major Hungarian wine regions: Tolna, Szekszard, Pecs, and Villany, each with its distinct varietals and winemaking techniques. Visitors can learn about the history and characteristics of these celebrated regions. The museum also offers visitors the chance to sample wines directly from original cellar barrels, providing a sensory journey into Hungary’s deep-rooted vinicultural traditions.

Beyond its role in showcasing Hungarian winemaking, the cellar also holds historical significance. A tunnel system connecting the Episcopal Palace and the Granary originates here, with origins potentially dating back to the Middle Ages. This passage played an instrumental role during the Communist era, doubling as a wine cellar and a covert escape route during the period of religious persecution when state surveillance targeted religious institutions.

Since its opening in 2015, the Episcopal Cellar Museum has been an essential stop for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and cultural tourists alike. Whether indulging in a wine-tasting session, exploring the secrets of the underground tunnels, or attending an event at the Visitor Centre, guests are guaranteed a unique experience that blends historical intrigue with vinicultural excellence.