Barbican, Pécs, Hungary - SpottingHistory

The Barbican, the 15th century bastion with a circular floor plan used to belong to the wall system of the Bishop's Castle. Its construction is linked to the visit of General Pál Kinizsi, who came to the town in 1498. In the shadow of the Turkish threat the defence systems of castles and towns were strengthened all around the South. The Gothic-style gate tower was built in the 15th century at the western corner of the high castle wall. The Barbican is a round gate tower sitting on a narrow column. Its back gate served a specific purpose: it enabled the defenders to attack the attacking enemy getting in the gate from the side. The Barbican is surrounded with the remains of the castle ditch and you can walk up to the entrance on the old drawbridge. The pulleys of the drawbridge are still displayed inside.

There is a fantastic view opening towards the town from the top of the bastion. You can walk along the machicolation (the wooden walkway) on the top of the Barbican.

After defence structures became obsolete during the 18th-19th century, similarly to other parts of the town, houses were built around the castle wall. The buildings that were built along the castle walls were demolished in the 1960s making the old Barbican as well as other parts of the wall free and visible again.

References:

budapest.com

Castles and fortifications in Hungary

User Reviews

Devidyal Givens (13 months ago)
As a world history teacher who traveled from several hours away to explore this city, it was great! I was sitting in a cafe in Budapest a couple days later and someone who doesn't love history anywhere near as much as me remarked "they sure do hate the Ottomans around here." He was referring to all the monuments to the invasion and then re-conquering. I knew he wouldn't have cared so I didn't explain that we, as a species, are obsessed with war and who rules what piece of land. Any world history textbook is 75% war. It's what we remember in our collective consciousness. This barbican is no different. It's a symbol of how the valiant (from their perspective) good Christian tried so hard to fight off the evil, evil invading Muslims. This is how history is remembered. What do you remember from your history class? Do you remember the details of the Berlin Conference? Do you even remember what it was? But if I asked you to tell me who fought in WWII you could give me a lecture. That's because we love war!!!!

Haneen Atallah (2 years ago)
Enjoy

András Berki (3 years ago)
Strong old bastion. Cosy area for walking with your lover... Strange modern and beautiful old statues, many many memories on the streets.

Fauzul Rizal (4 years ago)
One of historical place in Pécs. Can be easily reached by bus. Connected to the Pécs cathedral. Must visit when you nearby.

ANDITI COLLINS (4 years ago)
The place has remarkable viewing sites.I loved the place.I am looking forward to going back there again

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