In 2010, Pécs will be the first Hungarian city to become European Capital of Culture, together with the German city of Essen and the Turkish metropolis Istanbul. The motto “The City Without Borders” recalls that Pécs has over 30 partner towns in southern Transdanubia as well as in the international cultural region to which Trieste, Maribor, Tuzla, Novi Sad and others belong, and which it plans to include in its program for 2010.

Essen in Germany’s Ruhr valley and Istanbul will also bear the title of European Capital of Culture next year. Pécs assimilated both Turkish and German influences, contributing to its cultural diversity. Pécs is also the site of one of Hungary’s eight UNESCO World Cultural Heritage treasures, early Christian grave chambers.

The existence of these graves was known as early as the 18th century, and some parts were discovered in the course of construction work in the 20th century. Archaeologists have identified over 100 graves. These ancient relics are also integrated into the city’s plans for the European Capital of Culture.