Mecsek Mountains Mecsek Hegység

To the north of Pécs the Mecsek Mountains (Mecsek hegység) rise to a height of 680m (2232ft). The oldest traces of human settlement in Baranya (c 60,000 BC) were found in caves in this central mountain range; these finds are now in the Janus Pannonius Museum in Pécs. The mild climate encourages the growing of grape-vines and even Mediterranean-type fruits on the southern slopes. The thick deciduous forests, criss-crossed with paths and well provided with resting-places and shelters, are very popular with hikers. From the terrace of the television tower on the Misina Peak (534m (1752ft)) there are fine views of Pécs and of the Dráva beyond. On the way up to the peak there is a zoo and a leisure park.