Discover Branau

In Pécs, the seat of Branau County, early Christian burial chambers and the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter represent two distinct cultural themes. Elsewhere, the region’s attractions range from Siklós Castle and nature trails along the Drava to wine tastings in Villány. When planning your trip, you can focus on different themes, from urban history and nature to architecture and wine culture.

Culture and History in Pécs and Siklós

The Early Christian Necropolis of Sopianae in Pécs is an archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes decorated burial chambers dating from the 4th century: the underground chambers were built with above-ground memorial chapels and adorned with richly decorated Christian murals. Here, the architecture and paintings are part of the same historical complex.

The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter offers several perspectives on the ceramic tradition of the Zsolnay family and factory. These include the “Golden Age of Zsolnay” and “Pink Exhibition,” as well as an exhibition on the history of the family and factory. For children, there are outdoor playgrounds, an interactive lab, a planetarium, the Bóbita Puppet Theatre, a ceramic painting workshop and classes at the Hercules Workshop. The freely accessible outdoor area is also free to use during opening hours. Check current opening hours before your visit.

In Siklós, the castle is among Hungary’s best-preserved military complexes and is also one of the country’s most significant Renaissance buildings. Modernization of the museum wing also opened up the previously inaccessible Gothic section to visitors. The view of the castle thus brings together two themes: the military complex and Renaissance architecture.

Sculpture Park and Trails

At Nagyharsány Sculpture Park, the “Art in Nature” programme includes a guided tour of the park. The Kikerics Panorama Trail allows visitors to walk safely along the cliff edge while protecting the park’s plant life from trampling. The two offerings have different focuses: one centers on a guided tour among sculptures, the other on walking along the cliff edge and protecting the plant life.

Nature and Agriculture along the Drava

The Ős-Dráva Visitor Centre near Szaporca combines an interactive exhibition with an agricultural demonstration area, where practical farming methods are shown, and three themed nature trails. They provide information about traditional agriculture, the Ős-Dráva Programme and the wildlife along the Drava. The agricultural area features native Hungarian domestic animals: grey cattle, Mangalica pigs, Hucul horses, and old breeds of sheep and poultry.

The Wilderness Nature Trail along the Old Drava features a birdwatching and bird-ringing station, a lookout point, a photography hide, a covered activity area and several rest stops. Those interested in birdlife will find a different focus here from the trails at the visitor centre: those cover topics including agriculture and the Ős-Dráva Programme, while this trail focuses on observation, ringing and spending time along the route.

Wine and Regional Impressions

In Villány’s cellar row, you can visit cellars year-round to sample wines and tasty dishes. In Villánykövesd, the historic cellar row is a beautiful sight. The two places thus represent different aspects of regional wine culture: Villány is about tastings, while Villánykövesd is about its historic cellar row.

Wine and the cellar rows in Villány and Villánykövesd also offer a clear thematic focus. Then tailor your hotel search to the part of the travel programme that matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Szigetvári, Szentlőrinci, Siklósi, Pécsváradi, Mohácsi, Pécsi, Sásdi, Komlói, Matty, Sellyei

For the broader travel overview: Hungary.