Zsolnay

Heather: Pécs is noted for the very unique type of ceramics that has been produced here for over 100 years. This is a statue of  Villamos Zsolnay in the main intersection leading to the center of town. The factory that was established in the late 1800's brought wealth and fame to the Zsolnay family and to the city of Pécs until after the second world war when it was nationalized under the Soviet regime.

This fountain is one of the beautiful examples of the unique work of the Zsolnay factory. The ceramic work is very durable and colorful. The special glaze that gives this work its rainbow sheen was developed by the Zsolnay family and is world famous even today.

The company has recently been revived and refinanced by the city and private investors. There are extensive renovations being done to the factory itself and it still produces many beautiful objects both practical and decorative.

One of the enduring products of the factory is the colorful tiles that are used in roofing. This is the roof of the Mátyás Cathedral on castle hill that was re roofed in 1970 using the Zsolnay tiles. Japan is one of the main importers of these beautiful tiles.