Pécs

Pécs is one of the five largest cities of Hungary, located in the south-west of the country. It was known in the past by the German name Fünfkirchen; the romans called it Sopianae.

Pecs is the administrative and economical centre of Baranya county. Approximately 200 km south of the capital Budapest. 160 000 peoples live in Pecs. Located in the midst of an agricultural area, it is the natural hub of local products. Until some years ago, it had a coal-mine and even a Uran-mine. Several factories exist, but since the fall of the Iron Carpet - those have mostly not managed the transition. It does have a quite famous porcelain factory - The Zsolnay Porcelain - which have a special greenish colour - called "eozin". The local McDonalds has a wall decor which includes Zsolnay Porcelain.

The University of Pécs was founded by Louis I of Hungary in 1367. It is the oldest university of Hungary. It is divided up in two Universities; One for Medicine and Odontology (http://www.pote.hu/) and one larger one for the other studies - this being the JPTE (Janus Panonius Egyetem). The POTE part has a large english program. With students from America, Asia, and european contries (large scandinavian contingent).

Pecs was not damaged during WW2, even though a large tank-battle took place 20-25 km south of the town close to the Villanyi area late in WW2, when the advancing Red Army fought its way towards Austria.