PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Medieval University

Medieval University

Excavations around the Cathedral, started in 1967, revealed a building between the castle wall and the Cathedral, which could have been used for educational purposes, and was part of the constructions patronized by bishop Vilmos, also including the construction of the Chapel of Aranyos Mária. During the excavations led by G. Sándor Mária, it turned out that the construction was finished around the middle of the 14th century, and after a coat of arms turned up, it became sure that the constructor was Bishop Vilmos, who is also known for taking a huge part in the establishment of the University.

The University (studium generale) established in Pécs, on the 1st September, 1367 lacks historical records. Its establishment fits the row of university establishments of Central-Eastern Europe. The establishment of the University of Prague, patronized by Charles IV (Holy-Roman emperor 1346-1378) was followed by a wave of establishment as a part of which the studium generale of Krakow (1364), Vienna (1365) and Pécs was established at around the same time.

Vilmos of Koppenbach, bishop of Pécs had a key role in the University coming into being, so he also had an affect on choice of the seat for the University. The clerical, who originated from Pfalz, served king Louis I. from 1358: he was the rulers’ diplomat, councilor, secret chancellor and steward of chapel (1358-1374). During his ecclesiastical career he was vicar of Bergzabern, provost of Csázma and Eger, and at last bishop of Pécs (1361-1374).

Additional information is available at kozepkoriegyetem.hu

Exhibition at the Medieval University: Through this exhibition the city of Pécs will gain a unique exhibition site, which will help visitors to get to know the history of the city from the middle- and Turkish ages. The exhibition helps comprehension of the excavated and restored building of the University, the Chapel of Aranyos Mária and the fortification system of the Bishops’ Castle.

Planned exhibition consists of 7 main areas:
1) History of the Bishops’ Castle
2) History of the Medieval University of Pécs
3) Statues and the building of Chapel of Aranyos Mária
4) Pécs in the Middle ages – projector and museum educational room
5) Pécs in the Ottoman age
6) Bishops’ Castle of Pécs in the new age
7) Gothic Cathedral of Pécs