Pécs is one of Hungary’s oldest and most historically significant cities, with a history dating back to Roman times, when it was known as Sopianae. Among its most important cultural attractions is the Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae), which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.
The First World War Military Cemetery and Memorial, however, is located within the Central Cemetery of Pécs. The focal point of the memorial is a limestone sculpture by Mihály Nagy-Kapás, depicting Jesus Christ supporting a dying soldier. Their meeting gazes symbolize sacrifice, compassion, and remembrance, a theme commonly found in First World War memorial art.
The sculpture is set within a six-pillared exedra, which forms the architectural centerpiece of the military cemetery. An inscription running across the top of the exedra reads:
“1914 – To the heroes of the World War who rest here – The Community of the Royal Free City of Pécs – 1918”
(1914 A világháború itt pihenő hőseinek – Pécs szab. kir. város közönsége – 1918)
The memorial commemorates the soldiers buried in the cemetery and serves as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives during the First World War.
Location:
Pécs, Siklósi út 43, 7622 Hungary
