Southern Transdanubia - Culture

Besides plenty of historical religious sights, this region of Hungary has a host of unique and unusual places to visit. Take, for example, the Museum of Decorated Eggs, the first of its kind in Hungary. The decorated egg collection consists of items from 55 regions of 19 different countries. The brilliant artworks featured in the collection were made by about 160 well known egg decorators from all over Europe and Hungary. At least 30 different egg decorating techniques were used. Of special interest are those eggs decorated with straw or horsehair overlay. Also noteworthy are several eggs with patterns reminiscent of delicate laces. Some of the decorated eggs also feature applied art using various materials such as wood, minerals, stones and glass.

Private collector Rózsa Nienhaus donated 3,000 magnificent eggs to the permanent exhibition. Around 2,000 eggs can be seen in showcases. Another 900 eggs are kept in drawers. Many of the eggs were decorated by Lajos Kuris feature a typical Hungarian technique; horseshoeing and fitting with iron. Another highlight is a 30-year-old egg decorated by etching and called 'The Lamb of God'. It was made by Mrs József Horváth.

The museum is located in a former shed standing in the courtyard of the Regional Peasant House Museum. Private tours are available outside of regular opening hours.  Postcards or copies of the most attractive items are sold at the museum. Visitors can also purchase egg decorating kits for use at home. These kits include patterns, paints, decorating sticks and useful tips.

The southern section of Pannonia is an ancient Roman province with a strong Christian heritage. In Roman times this area was an important center of early Christendom. The Early Christian Cemetery, consisting of historic chapels and the Ancient Christian Mausoleum contains astounding ancient wall paintings. This attraction was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in the year 2000.

The city of Pecs has many other attractions. Domed Turkish mosques can also be found here. The city features a pleasant atmosphere of restaurants and coffee houses gives the feeling that you are in the Mediterranean. This 2000 year old city also offers many beautiful churches and museums. Just outside of the city, an antique fair is held on the first weekend of each month, while a fleamarket and a livestock fair is held each weekend.

Visitors here will also enjoy the Ballet of Pecs, the National Theatre of Pecs and a local Puppet Theatre offering a great variety of entertainment for visitors of all ages. Also nearby, on the Church Hill of Villany, you can study the fossilised remains of 240 million year old animals. The fossils are located in a former lime mine amidst interesting ancient rock formations. The attraction is located just outside of the town of Nagyharsány.

Visitors to this region may also enjoy the Villány-Siklós Wine Road. This region was the first to develop a vibrant wine trade in Hungary. The 18 mile Wine Road tour connects through eight towns and villages. The wine culture of the region can also be studied at the local Wine Museum. Visitors will also enjoy the annual Wine Festival held here in October.

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