Mosque of Pasha Qasim - Now a Catholic Church

The Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pécs is in a building that spend several hundred years as a mosque. It was built between 1543 and 1546 by Pasha Qasim of the Turks after their successful invasion. It was converted back into a church in 1702. The associated minaret was destroyed in 1766 (Wikipedia).



The church is entered through the basement (!) and a walk through narrow corridors that lead to various sections of the basement crypt. To save on energy, the lights down here are all on motion sensors, so walking into a crypt in a dark and dimly lit hallway is a bit creepy even for someone who is used to wandering graveyards, camera in hand.

Somewhere near the center of the church (can't really tell from underground) is a chapel that I presume is sued for funerals.

But upstairs we see the open spaces of the church. In a way not quite like in other, more traditional churches, the celebrant stand at the altar in the center under the arch that separates two large rooms filled with seats for the faithful.

Behind the altar from the earlier photo is the room with the domes ceiling all painted in design that is cleary christian but with obvious islamic elements retained.

I was especially fascinated by the crucified Christ above the wall inset filled with the geometric islamic design complete with arabic script.

The ceiling medallion has bits that alternate christian symbolisma nd designs of color and geometery.

Here's a closer view of the wall inset with the original decorations.

This is the view from "behind" the altar through to the other room.

The corner decorations all have a mixture of islamic and christian design.

The main room has a curved wall around the back and the women's balcony is not nearly completely filled with an impressive pipe organ.

And, of course, there is a confessional.

It is colorful and captivating design and well worth a visit when you come to Pécs.

The islamic shapes and designs have been well integrated into the christian themes. This is a delightful place to sit and just think.

Lots of fertile territory for my quest for symmetries.