Cathedral of Peter and Paul in Pec

The Peter and Paul Cathedral in Peche stands in the old part of the city on the Dome Square. The religious shrine bears the honorary title of minor basilica, which is assigned to particularly significant Catholic churches by the Pope or the Congregation for Divine Worship. It is estimated that less than 2,000 Catholic churches on the planet bear the title of minor basilica, and almost a third of them are located in Italy. The church is the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of the Latin Rite, centered in the city of Pec.

The Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

Peter and Paul Cathedral in Peche was named after the saints who were companions of Jesus Christ and laid a solid foundation for the Christian faith. Saint Peter was a poor fisherman, he immediately believed the Savior. After the Ascension of the Lord, he led the 12 apostles and the Christian community in Jerusalem. He gave his life for the teacher and accepted death on the cross. According to legend, he considered himself unworthy to die like Christ. Therefore, he demanded to be crucified upside down. Saint Peter died in Rome at the end of the reign of Emperor Nero between 64 and 67 years.

The Holy Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen before meeting Jesus, the persecutor of Christians. After meeting Christ, Paul became a courageous apostle of Christ. He built a new faith, made missionary journeys, suffered torments and went to death for Christ. Paul died in Rome by the sword in 65 or 67. Both Apostles Paul and Peter died on June 29.

The history of Peter and Paul Cathedral in Peche

The first wooden chapel on the site of the future basilica was built by the early Christians in the 4th century. There was a Roman province on the site of present-day Hungary. The building burned down in a fire in 1064. On this site, by order of the first Hungarian king, St. Stephen, the Diocese of Peche was founded, and the construction of the grandiose cathedral at that time began. The temple was constantly expanding and being completed, and architectural styles changed and mixed during the construction process. The Peter and Paul Cathedral in Peche absorbed all the existing architectural trends. During the Ottoman rule, the building was used as a mosque.

At the beginning of the 19th century, architect Mihai Pollak began another remodeling in the style of the then fashionable classicism. However, by the end of the century, the main facade was decorated with pointed arches, which give the building a Gothic flavor. And by the middle of the 20th century, figures of the twelve apostles, made by sculptor Antal Karoi, appeared on the southern pediment.

Exterior of the Peter and Paul Cathedral in Peche

The height of the cathedral is not amazing, the main part of the temple reaches 22 meters. But the cathedral towers rise 60 meters above the ground. They give the building a Gothic sophistication. But the bell of the western tower of the Peter and Paul Cathedral in Peche is one of the largest in the country. The interior of the building also impresses with luxury. The walls are painted with frescoes, the sculptures of saints are covered with gilding.

The walls of the Peter and Paul Cathedral in Peche are remembered by many great people. In the 15th century, Janus Pannonius preached here, and Franz Liszt played on the cathedral organ. At the end of the 20th century, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral.