Abstract: When Hungary’s borders were fixed after the World War I, Szeged and Pécs became towns managing the relations of Hungary with the countries in the south. In our paper we examine the factors that make Pécs suitable for the Southern intermediate role, and whether the goals and achievements of Pécs2010 European Capital of Culture programme series reinforced this position.Pécs has an outstanding status among the Hungarian towns of county rank and it is the most powerful regional centre. Its opening towards the south, its multicultural composition, its institutionalised system of foreign affairs, and its roles in various cooperations contribute to the city’s success in fulfilling the “gateway” role towards the South-Western direction.