The Franciscan Church, Pecs (must see)

The Franciscan Church in Pecs has a long and layered history, first appearing in historical records in 1280. Over the centuries, it has undergone multiple transformations, reflecting the shifting tides of the region’s past. The present-day church is an eclectic structure, blending medieval and Baroque elements, with traces of a major 1925 reconstruction still visible.

During the Turkish occupation, the original medieval church was converted into a mosque, complete with a harem, minaret, and chapel, as described by the Ottoman traveler Evliya Celebi. A medresse (Islamic high school) also functioned on-site in the former Franciscan monastery. After the expulsion of the Ottomans, the Franciscans regained control in 1720 and undertook extensive reconstruction, funding the project by selling the mosque’s lead roof. By 1737, the church and monastery were restored to their Baroque grandeur.

Despite further reconstructions in the 1880s, 1890s, and 1925, the original Baroque tower remains intact, serving as one of the most remarkable Baroque landmarks in Pecs. Inside, much of the Baroque furniture has been preserved, including intricately inlaid cupboards crafted in 1745 by Friar Lukacs Jani. The main altar painting, "Taking of Saint Francis of Assisi," dates back to 1737, while other altars-dedicated to Saint Anne (1758), Saint Anthony, Saint Barbara, and Saint Catherine (1768)-showcase the church’s rich artistic heritage.

The façade tympanon features paintings by Erno Gebauer, adding to the church’s striking exterior. One of the most beloved traditions of the church is the life-size nativity crib, a unique wooden display set up annually, the largest of its kind in Hungary. Additionally, the church houses a crypt where over 300 individuals have been laid to rest.

Today, the Franciscan Church remains a stunning architectural and historical gem in Pecs, embodying centuries of faith, transformation, and artistic excellence.