Cella Septichora - Pecs, Hungary

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The earliest Christian cemetery in Pécs (Sophiane) dates back to Roman times, spanning across the 4th and 6th centuries, making it a critical historical landmark. Strategically located north of the ancient city, this extensive archaeological excavation concentrated on three areas: the Cella Septichora and its surrounding neighborhood, the eastern portion of Dóm Square, the space underneath the Parish-Chapter Archives, and the Szent István Square area. The Cella Septichora itself is estimated to have been built in the late 4th or early 5th century. It was first discovered by archaeologists in 1927 but wasn't fully excavated until 1940 under the direction of Gyula Gosztonyi. Characterized as a seven-apse chapel with no burial chamber, its one-level building featured an entrance facing west, while a semi-circular niche served as an apse with an altar opposite the entrance. The area's inner chamber is significant at 20x15 metres, surrounded by a wall of approximately 1.25 metres thickness. Ruins reaching heights of up to two meters can still be seen today in some places. Excavations also unearthed several burial chambers in the chapel's vicinity. Among them stand out the Peter and Paul Burial Chamber and the Wine Pitcher Burial Chamber, offering a glimpse into lives of those well-off in their time. A highlight from 1782 is the Peter and Paul Burial Chamber, showcasing exceptional wall paintings that illustrate key events in the Bible on dry plaster created around the fourth century. Adding to this significance is a Christ monogram embedded within a wreath bearing Peter and Paul's images on either side. However, historical awareness about another pivotal burial chamber took longer to establish itself. Discovered since the 18th century but explored fully only in the 20th century, this chamber was discovered at an advanced state of deterioration. As you wander through the ensemble of historical burial sites located under what now appears as a contemporary shopping square today; note particularly the elaborate wall murals within the Peter and Paul burial site along with those in what once were ceremonial chapels or temples dedicated to deceased souls. Today both historical remains continue serving educational functions that serve visitors from far around seeking valuable understanding.