The Mosque of Pasha Qasim (Gázi Kászim pasa dzsámija) was built between 1543 and 1546 during Ottoman rule by Pasha Qasim the Victorious, who reused stone from the demolished Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew. It is the largest and most important surviving example of Ottoman-Turkish architecture in Hungary. After the Habsburg reconquest in 1702 it became a Roman Catholic church (the Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary), and the Jesuits pulled down its minaret in 1766, yet its green dome, mihrab facing Mecca, ogee windows and surviving Qur'anic inscriptions still tell the story of two faiths in one building. In 2026 it remains an active church and the landmark crowning Pécs's main square, Széchenyi tér — a must-see on any visit to the city.
The green copper dome at the highest point of Széchenyi tér, topped with a crescent and cross that symbolize its layered mosque-and-church history
The mihrab (prayer niche oriented toward Mecca) and other original Ottoman elements preserved inside
Fragments of Qur'anic Arabic inscriptions and Ottoman decoration still visible in the plaster
Turkish architectural details such as hive-pattern ogee (pointed) windows and stalactite (muqarnas) vaulting
Baroque altar and interior added after the reconquest, overlaying the Islamic original — a rare 'layering' of two religions
Good to know
RulesThis is still an active Catholic church, so visiting hours shift around mass and liturgical schedules. Check the official channels for that day's access before you go; ticketing and last entry are generally by around 16:30.
MannersIt is a place of worship — keep your voice down, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), avoid photography, tripods and flash during services, and be respectful of both its Islamic and Christian heritage.
SeasonSummer (1 May–30 Sep) is peak season, crowded and with little shade on the square, so bring water and a hat. Winter (1 Oct–30 Apr) has shorter hours and day-by-day differences (e.g. Fridays open from 10:00), so confirm in advance.
SafetyPécs is about a 3-hour train ride from Budapest; book intercity tickets ahead. The area around Széchenyi tér is pedestrianized and cobbled, so comfortable shoes are advisable.
CautionChange money via ATMs or cards rather than airport/street exchange kiosks with poor rates, and when paying by card choose to be billed in Hungarian forint (HUF), not your home currency, to avoid dynamic-currency-conversion fees.
SafetyPécs is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets on the busy Széchenyi tér and at the train and bus stations; keep bags and valuables in front of you.
Practical info
Pécs is reached from Budapest by train (about 3 hours) or bus, and the mosque sits at the top of the central Széchenyi tér (Széchenyi tér 20), roughly a 15-minute walk from the train and bus stations. Opening hours vary by season (summer/winter) and with the mass schedule; as of 2026, admission is roughly 3,600 HUF for adults, about 2,900 HUF reduced and around 7,200 HUF for a family, but always confirm current prices and hours before visiting.
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