Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae), Hungary

Ancient treasures of Sopianae

Mosque of Pasha Qasim (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

The town of Pécs is located in southwest Hungary, on the slopes of the Mecsek mountains. Originally named Sopianae, it was founded in the early 2nd century by the Romans. In 100 years, it would grow into a thriving city and a significant centre of Christianity.

Pécs Cathedral (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

In the 4th century AD, a remarkable series of decorated tombs were constructed in the town’s cemetery. The ruins were discovered in the north-western part of the town, near Pécs Cathedral, around 200 years ago.

The largest single Christian tomb complex outside Italy (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

The tombs provide a remarkable example of late Roman burial practices and funerary cult, and are regarded as being the largest single Christian tomb complex outside Italy. The site, known as the Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs, was granted World Heritage status in 2000.

The crypt (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

The tombs comprised two parts. 

Underground were the burial chambers where the deceased were placed. 

The memorial chapel (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Above ground, memorial chapels were erected.

These two-storey structures served as burial sites for the nobility and also provided a location for burial ceremonies.

Daniel among the lions (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

These monuments are important not only structurally and architecturally, but are also significant in artistic terms, due to their richly decorated murals of outstanding quality, which depict Christian themes including biblical scenes and early Christian symbols.

Underground burial chamber (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Archaeologists originally identified the unearthed sepulchres using Roman numerals, but some of them have become known by names which refer to their interior mural paintings.

Burial Chamber No. I (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Discovered in 1782, Burial Chamber I – the Peter and Paul Tomb – is regarded as the best-known early Christian structure in Pannonia, the Roman province in which Sopianae was located.

Ceiling in the Saints Peter and Paul Burial Chamber (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Its northern wall features a mural depicting the apostles Peter and Paul (hence the name of the chamber) pointing at a Christogram: the symbol of Jesus Christ. The interior of the crypt is richly decorated with biblical scenes and ornamental patterns.

Burial Chamber No. II (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Burial Chamber II – the Wine Pitcher Chamber – was also discovered in the 18th century. It was uncovered during the construction of an extensive cellar system under Pécs.

The Wine Pitcher Burial Chamber (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

A wine pitcher and a glass were painted onto the wall of the niche which was built in the northern wall of the chamber, symbolising the thirst of the journeying soul. The chamber’s other walls are decorated with geometrical patterns, floral and lattice motifs.

Early Christian Mausoleum (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Discovered in 1975, the early Christian Mausoleum was the largest of the two-storey tombs in the Roman town of Sopianae. It is located slightly to the south of the rest of the structures, indicating the original size of the cemetery.

Adam and Eve fresco (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

The murals on the walls are of exceptionally high quality and depict the fall of Adam and Eve, along with Daniel among the lions and a scene of Noah and his ark. The Mausoleum is believed to have been built in the 370s AD.

Cella Septichora visitor centre (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Pécs’ rich heritage can be witnessed at the Cella Septichora visitor centre. The centre includes the Mausoleum, six two-storey burial chambers and two larger, single-space buildings.

Early Christian Necropolis (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Although the cemetery includes over five hundred more modest graves which cluster around the major monuments, a total of sixteen structures constitute the World Heritage property. Its official status was granted based on the following two criteria:

European Capital of Culture in 2010 (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Criterion (iii): The burial chambers and memorial chapels of the Sopianae cemetery bear outstanding testimony to the strength and faith of the Christian communities of the Late Roman Empire.

Early Christian Mausoleum (2000) by Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)UNESCO World Heritage

Criterion (iv): The unique Early Christian sepulchral art and architecture of the northern and western Roman provinces is exceptionally well and fully illustrated by the Sopianae cemetery at Pécs.

Credits: Story

This exhibit was created by the Hungarian Tourism Agency: visithungary.com/
 
More on the Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae) and World Heritage: whc.unesco.org/en/list/853

Photos: Hungarian Tourism Agency, Pozsárkó Csaba

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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