Klimo Library and University Historical Exibition

The legal predecessor of the University Library of Pécs was founded and made open to the public in 1774 by the bishop György Klimo (1710-1777).

The basic works of nearly all disciplines until the 18th century can be found in the collection: works both of catholic and protestant theology, history and its auxiliary sciences (especially rich is the numismatic literature obtained for the maintenance of the medal cabinet), works of the natural sciences and medicine, mathematics, linguistics, the works of outstanding representatives of literature form previous centuries and those of banned contemporary authors who preached ideas of the Enlightenment. 

When the Elisabeth University of Bratislava, compelled to flee, moved in 1923 to Pécs.. Gyula Zichy, taking also the intention of his predecessor into consideration, gave the building of the Episcopal Library with its 33000 volumes for eternal use to the unviersity, together with the 7000 volume private collection of the Chapter of the Cathedral.

The library preserves 8 codices, 25 incunabula from the 15th century, 250 antiquas from the 16th century and more than 200 old Hungarian prints made before 1711. Parts of these are presented in glass-cabinets in the rooms on exhibitions organised from time to time. To the Episcopal Collection belongs also a globe and a celestial globe which were made in Amsterdam in 1707.

Guided tours are free for 

-          Students and employees of the University Pécs

-          Children under age 6

-          Disabled people (+1 attendant)

-          Peolple aged over 70

-          Teachers

-          Librarians

-          On the first Saturday of every month is free to visit both collections if the visitor is under 26 or attending at least two visitors under 18 years

Research admission to Special Collections is free to all: visiting researchers as well as every member of the University are welcome to use the collections.

The department is WiFi enabled.
Although it is not necessary to make an appointment, it is best to get in touch in advance as it is not always possible for us to issue the item you may wish to see or to respond to in-depth enquiries immediately. We are happy to arrange appointments with an appropriate member of staff who will be able to advise you on our holdings.