Sights and leisure

Harkány

Harka-statue

Guests are awaited by the even internationally known and acknowledged medicinal water and medicinal treatments, spa and bath, pamper wellness services, high quality accomodations, diverse amusement and cultural programs. Harkány lies in the most southern part of Hungary, 25 km south of the centre of the region, Pécs, next to road 58 heading towards the Croatian border, at the southern foot of Villányi Hills and 10 km form River Dráva flowing along the border.

Sights in Harkány

The Catholic church and churchyard: the church was built in the 1990’s, on the outside wall of the church can be seen the Passion of Jesus on enamel creations made by László Morvai. The enamel creations countinue in the churchyard, presented the personalities and famous events of Hungarian history.
Reformed Church situated parallel with the medicinal on the Kossuth Lajos Street, it was built in 1802,it is under monument protection.
Reformed Church on the Terehegy: was built in 1798, it is also under monument protection, situated on the small hill of Terehegy district.
Zsigmondy promenade, park: the park located south of the spa, it is waiting the guests with many art works and comfortable benches.
Harka well: is located in the park, the in 2000 established fountain made from Zsolnay base material. It depicte the motifs of the legend of the Harkány water.
Country Apple fountain: standing in front of the Mayor’s Office and it is the art work of László Vajda and Thomas Kammerer.
Futó László Pál Museum: Monthly changing exhibition of multi-dimensional works in the gallery and a permanent exhibition of contemporary artists.

Thermal Spa Harkány

The medicinal water was discovered in the 19th century and after scientific analysis it was determined that its effect is similar to the water of the Dead Sea and its mineral content is exceptionally high. The ion-rich thermal water contains great magnitudes of dissolved carbonyl sulphide and sulphur, and contributes in treating rheumatologic conditions and sterility. It reduces inflammation and improves the regeneration of cells and the self-purification of sore body parts. The water’s healing power is also essential in rendering psoriasis asymptomatic.
The open-air bath is open from May to October and offers all kinds of aquatic activities (regular pool, waveless pool, children’s pool, water slide) to everybody who loves to be near water under the sun. It provides cosy and quality venues for sunbathing, games, sports or eating. Every member of the family can find the activity he/she prefers. It offers 20 restaurants, 15 food stands and further 59 stores and service offices.

The bath offers waveless pools, slides and other colourful programs to the young generation and to those who love to splash in the water, while other options include walkenergie programs, spinning, fitness instructors, concerts, Spinn Fizz, sauna, massaging hot tubs and other cosmetic and refreshing services.
Opening hours:
Thermal Spa: on every day of the year: 9:00-18:00

Open-Air bath:
1. May – 11. June: 9:00-18:00
12. June – 23. August: 9:00-20:00
24. August – 20. September: 9:00-18:00
21. Sepember – 30. April: Closed

Sights in the neighborhood

Mariagyűd

Máriagyűd, a district of the town of Siklós, is the most famous Catholic place of pilgrimage in South Transdanubia. The twin spired, Baroque-style Roman Catholic pilgrimage church was given the status of Basilica Minor by Pope Benedict XVI.in the year 2008.

The church can be visited on weekdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Entry is free of charge!

Siklós

Siklós is located at the foot of Tenkes Hill, on the Harkány-Nyárád plain.
Siklós Fortress – which has become the symbol of the town – is one of the best preserved and most harmonious of historical remains in Hungary.
The first official documentation proving the existence of Siklós dates back to 1190. In 1394 the fortress became the property of the Garai family, who developed the building over a number of decades in Gothic style. After 1515 the Perényis led construction within the fortress.
During the Ottoman occupation the Turks used the castle as a fortress. On the outskirts of the town they built mosques, the most splendid of which was the Djami of Malkoch Bey, surrounded by a rose garden. In the 18th century the Batthyány family reconstructed and enlarged the fortress in Baroque style. The fortress had lost its military significance by the 19th century.
The terrace of the bastion of the 18th century fortress offers a beautiful panorama over Siklós and the nearby vineyards. The Franciscan Church within the outer walls of the fortress was built in the 13th century. Its Gothic sanctuary is ornamented with early Renaissance frescoes showing an Italian influence. The tombstone of Miklós Garai I. can also be found here. The 15th century cloister beside the church is now home to the Ceramics Artists Community, the international fine arts exhibition of which is open to visitors.

Siklós Fortress

Siklós is a town of excellent wines. On the Tenkes Hills it is white wines that are prevalent, the most typical sort of grapes, from which the flagship wine of Siklós is made, being Olaszrizling.

Open hours:
Fri-Sat: 9.00-18.00
Sat-Thu: 9.00-17.00
Ticket prices:
free for childern (under 6 years)
for students (between 6 and 26 years) 750 Ft
for adults: 1500 Ft

Villány

Villány is one of Hungary’s top wine regions, known for its red and rosé wines. Hungary’s most southern wine region has long and hot summers with abundant sunshine, followed by a mild winter. Thanks to this sub-Mediterranean climate wines from Villány are full-bodied and spicy and of the highest quality. The majority of Hungary’s award-winning wines are produced in the Villány region. The Villány region is popular with wine tourism. In the historical street of cellars (along the main street) several wineries offer their specialities.

Villány

The red wines for which the Villány and the Villánykövesd vineyards are famous the Portugieser, Kékfrankos, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and the Merlot. In Villány you will find a Wine Museum, situated amongst the historic wine cellars. Visitors here can see the traditional tools of wine production, written documents and artefacts, and bottles of wine almost hundred year old.

Sculpture Park of Nagyharsány

Sculpture Park of Nagyharsány can be found in an abandoned stone mine on the eastern side of Szársomlyó, embraced by the grape yards of Villány, in front of Villány.

Sculpture Park of Nagyharsány

Ancient Drava Visitor Centre

It is telling about the natural values and traditions of the Ormánság region awaits you with an interactive exhibition, a display area with indigenous domestic animals, study trails, and a variety of possible activities and environmental education sessions.

Opening Hours:
1. April – 30. June.: Mon-Sun 9.00-17.00
1. July – 31. August: Mon-Sun 9.00-19.00
1. September – 31. October.: Mon-Sun 9.00-17.00
1. November – 31. March.: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00
Visitor center ticket:
Adult: 1500HUF/person
Students/ above 60 years: 900 HUF/person
Children: 700HUF/person
Children under 3 years: Free

Pécs

Pécs is the fifth largest city of Hungary, located on the slopes of the Mecsek mountains in the south-west of the country, close to its border with Croatia. It is the administrative and economic centre of Baranya County. The city Sopianae was founded by Romans at the beginning of the 2nd century.

Its episcopate was founded in 1009 by Stephen I, and the first university in Hungary was founded in Pécs in 1367 by Louis I the Great. Pécs has a rich heritage from the age of a 150-year-long Ottoman occupation, like the mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious on Széchenyi square.
Pécs always was a multicultural city where many cultural layers are encrusted melting different values of the history of two thousand years. Hungarians, Croatians and Swabians still live in peace together in economic and cultural polarity.

In 2010, Pécs was selected to be the European Capital of Culture sharing the title together with Essen and Istanbul. The city’s motto is: “The Borderless City”. After receiving the title major renewal started in the city. Renewed public places, streets, squares and neighbourhoods, new cultural centers, a concert hall, a new library and center and a cultural quarter were designed..

Unesco World Heritage

Roman Paleochristian cemetery

Sopianae, predecessor of Pécs in the Roman times had its late Roman Paleochristian cemetery included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in the year 2000. In their architecture and wall-paintings the excavated finds present the Early Christian burial architecture and art of the Northern and Western provinces of the Roman Empire.

Early Christian Mausoleum
The building was discovered during the renovation works of the stairway cascading water fountain in 1975. This cemetery chapel is one of the largest buildings of Sopianae. It used to have two levels; the chapel on the surface served as a cella memoriae while the crypt served as a place for burials. The next group of the Early Christian burial chambers including a twin-grave with painted walls built of stone and bricks were recovered from under 8 Apáca Street.

In 1968 under 14 Apáca street and 12 Szent István Square, and later in the courtyard of the Champaign Factory another group of graves, altogether 104 burial sites and 2 burial chambers dating back to Roman times were discovered.

The city of the Zsolnay

The 1861 Glove Manufactory
Here you become acquainted with the phases of traditional craft glove production, have a look at the permanent exhibition on the History of Gloves, you can try out the interactive tools, watch the birth of the perfect glove created by human hands step by step.

Zsolnay Family And Factory History Exhibition
It gives an insight to the visitor of the most precious moments of the life of the industrial dynasty starting with the simplest industrial ceramic items to the most decorated ornamental pieces and the life-changing family events.


Golden Age Of Zsolnay – Gyugyi Collection
The private Zsolnay collection of Dr. László Gyugyi comprising of around 600 pieces represents an unparalleled value. Its pieces date back to a 40-year period (1870-1910) that can be divided in three great parts: the periods of historicism, millennium and secession. The most beautiful ceramics representing the golden age of the Zsolnays wait for the visitors in the renovated Sikorski Villa in the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter.

Zsolnay Pink Exhibition
A new and unique exhibition waits for the visitors in the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter. The exhibition by the title „In the beginning was the pink” belongs to Barnabás Winkler architect, academic and doctor of arts who collected around 1000 pink pieces that introduce the extremely rich line of pink objects that were designed for everyday use.

M21 Gallery of Pécs, Zsolnay Cultural Quarter
This is a 1300m2 exhibition hall and workshop of contemporary art while it also provides a space for special events.

Planetarium

The first optical planetarium of the country opened its gates in Pécs in 1970. Instead of the former observatory today a brand new planetarium awaits visitors in the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter. This is the first place in Europe where a digital projector of this type with outstanding picture quality and resolution serves the public.

Zsolnay Mausoleum

The resting place of the Zsolnay family on top of a hill right next to the factory waits for all its visitors who seek the secret of eosin in its old glory.

Sights of the Mecsek

Television Tower

The approximately 200-meter-high reinforced-concrete colossus is located on the 535-meter-high summit of Misina. It has an observation terrace and a coffee house providing an amazing panorama. When the weather is clear, it is possible to see as far as the Danube, the range of the Mecsek Hills and the area of the Mecsek Ridge becomes outlined.

Opening hours:
Monday-Thursday, Sunday: 9.00-19.00
Friday – Saturday: 9.00-20.00
Tickets:
Adult: 950 HUF
Pensioner / Student: 800 HUF (ID card is necessary!)
Children (between the age 4-14): 650 HUF

Zoo

Pécs Zoo was built in 1960 by factory workers and university students of Pécs. The zoo is located in the scenic Natura 2000 park of the Mecsek hills. Originally the aim of the management was to exhibit the Hungarian wildlife in the 3.5 acres ground, but soon exotic species were also moved into the park. From 1960 to 1973 the number of species exhibited in the zoo increased from 34 to 118. In 2016, when the renewed Pécs Zoo was reopened and the aquarium-terrarium was moved from the downtown location to the Mecsek, both the territory of the park as well as the number of species displayed increased. About 1,000 animals from 250 different species reside currently at the Pécs Zoo.

Opening hours:
15. March – 30. April: Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00
1. May – 31. August: Opening hours: 9:00 – 18:00
1. September – 31. October: Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00
1. November – 14. March: Opening hours: 9:00 – 16:00
Ticket prices:
Adult (14+ years): 1990 Ft
Student, senior (only with valid identification): 1490 Ft
Child (3-14 years): 1300 Ft

Mecsextrem Adventure Park

The Mecsextrem Adventure Park is set in woods and parkland offering a fun packed day for all the family. Its great variety of attractions – from the bob ride to rope courses, from the climbing wall to indoor playzones – provide entertainment for all ages and guarantee non stop fun!

Mecsextrem Adventure Park

Tickets:
Under the age 3: free
3-18 age (student): 3490 HUF
Adult: 3990 HUF
Pensioner: 3490 HUF