Prizren

Prizren, in Kosovo, is a charming city of mosques and monasteries dating back to the 14th century. Happily spared (mostly) from both the "destroy the old, build the new" drive of the communists during the early years of their rule in Yugoslavia, as well as the ethnic and religious atrocities that plagued the Western Balkans in the last decade of the 20th century, Prizren has the best-preserved old town in the country by far, and is often referred to as the cultural capital of Kosovo.

Clinging to the slopes of the lush Sharr Mountains, and divided by the river Lumbardh, Prizren, including its modern suburbs, is home to about 180,000 people, making it the second largest city in the country, after Pristina, the capital. The majority of the population is ethnic Albanian. Kosovo's Turkish community is focused in Prizren as well. As such, the standard bi-lingual street signs in Albanian and Serbian are complemented here by Turkish, which can be freely used particularly in the old town, and with other Albanians. The local Serbs vacated the city in the aftermath of the Kosovo War of 1998–99, when Kosovo was de facto detached from Serbia, with their charred houses standing vacant on the upper streets leading to the fortress.

Prizren is also where the Albanian national awakening began, as the League of Prizren, a political organization for defending the rights of the Albanians, was founded here in 1878.

• Tourist Information Office, +383 49605954. M-W F Sa 09:00-21:00; Su 17:00-21:00; Th off; lunch break 13:00-15:00. Buy printed guides and book guided tours here.

Tourist Information Office, +383 49605954. M-W F Sa 09:00-21:00; Su 17:00-21:00; Th off; lunch break 13:00-15:00. Buy printed guides and book guided tours here.

• Shadervan. The main square in town, this stone piazza is surrounded by cafes, bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors. During the day this is an excellent place to sit and have a coffee, or have lunch and watch the town go about its business. The fountain in the center of the piazza is safe to drink from and is a central gathering point during hot summer afternoons. From about 21:30 to 00:00 on almost every night in the summer the streets around Shadervan are crowded with locals walking the corso, meeting, chatting and drinking.
• Prizren Hamam, Adem Jashari, (near the center of town, just up from the main post office.. It is a distinctive complex of low brick domes. No longer used as public baths, the building is occasionally used for art exhibits. The Hamam of Prizren is an early Ottoman-era monument in which oriental and local traditions combine. It was built in the heart of the city in 1563/4 by Gazi Mehmet Pasha, at the time when he was also building the nearby mosque. The Hamam has two large and nine small domes and is separated into men’s and women’s sections. As one of the most precious Hamams in South-East Europe, it embodies special architectural, historical, cultural and social values. Integrated for centuries in the lives of the citizens, it has become a symbol for the spiritual and cultural heritage of Prizren and its region. The building functioned as a Hamam until 1944. It then served for cheese production, as a warehouse, and later the entrance area was used for cultural events. In state protection since 1954, the Hamam was repaired and maintained until 1981 when it was left at the mercy of time. After the NATO intervention in Kosovo in 1999, some limited measures were undertaken for the monument’s protection.
• Orthodox Cathedral, Sahatkulla (Serbian Quarter. The cathedral was badly damaged during the ethnic riots of March 2004, but has largely been repaired since. As of April 2010 however it was not open to the public (there's a sign on the gate to contact the Prizren Police office for entry). There is usually a police officer guarding the cathedral. If you show him your passport and reassure him that you intend no harm, you will get access. Occasionally an Orthodox monk is present who will happily tell you the history of the church. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Small chapel.
• There are other Serbian Orthodox Churches in Prizren
• Mosque of Sinan Pasha, Mimar Sinani. The largest mosque in the city, dominating the town center is the Mosque of Sinan Pasha. This is one of the most important monuments from the occupation of the Ottoman Empire in this territory. According to the inscription inside the mosque, Sofi Sinan Pasha, built it for his co-citizens, on hijrij year 1024 (1615). The mosque was built with walls over 2 m thick, more than 50 windows, and the minaret is one of the highest in the city. The airy interior is adorned by floral paintings, slightly reminiscent of (but much plainer than) the Painted Mosque of Tetovo, on the Macedonian side of the Sharr Mountains. The mosque is very rich in ornaments of many colors and shapes. The interior of the mosque is decorated by arabesques and other decorations of flora and fauna in the baroque style. There are two layers of paintings in it, the paintings of the time when the mosque was built (17th century) and a second layer of paintings (19th century). In the entrance the mosque has a fountain, built by the founder. The mosque also used to have a madras and a library with numerous books on various subjects.
• Bajrakli Mosque. The 14th-century Mosque of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror can be reached on the first left street in front of the Hamam. The Bajrakli mosque dates from 1566 and is possibly the most beautiful mosque in Prizren with ornate wood work and detailed blue and white paintings.
• Church of St. George, Marin Barleti.
• Catholic Church, Papa Gjon Pali II (stands at the top of the stone street that leads from the “Shadërvan Square”.
• Prizren League Complex. An old complex where its namesake political organization was founded in June 10, 1878. The Albanian Prizren League began with a gathering of 300 representatives of all Albanian regions. In the meeting there were also Bosnians from Bosnia and Sanxhak. The aim of the meeting was to form an autonomous Albanian state that would cover the Ottoman regions (vilayets) of Prizren, Shkodra, M0nastir and Yanina. The League was the first serious effort to create an united Albanian region since the medieval era of Skanderbeg.
• Serbian Quarter remains. The mostly destroyed Serbian Quarter above the city - from the center of the city, start heading up hill. You will see the remains of the walls on the crest of the hill - head up paths in that direction. There are no signs along the way.
• City castle. It has a wonderful view over the town. The castle dates from Roman era.

• Brezovica, the ski resort. The area around Prizren, particularly to the east and southwest is also scenic. Heading east from town toward the old Yugoslav ski resort of Brezovica takes you through the Zupa Valley. There are numerous restaurants following the river along this route. The ski slopes at Brezovica are open for skiing during the winter. The runs were once considered some of the best in Yugoslavia, and the site was a back-up for the Sarajevo Winter Olympics in 1984.
• Dragash, the mountain town. To the southwest, toward the Albanian border the landscape is also dramatic. About an hour's drive from Prizren is the mountain town of Dragash. Although there is no skiing in the mountains surrounding Dragash, the area is beautiful. Friday is market day in Dragash.

Brezovica, the ski resort. The area around Prizren, particularly to the east and southwest is also scenic. Heading east from town toward the old Yugoslav ski resort of Brezovica takes you through the Zupa Valley. There are numerous restaurants following the river along this route. The ski slopes at Brezovica are open for skiing during the winter. The runs were once considered some of the best in Yugoslavia, and the site was a back-up for the Sarajevo Winter Olympics in 1984.

Dragash, the mountain town. To the southwest, toward the Albanian border the landscape is also dramatic. About an hour's drive from Prizren is the mountain town of Dragash. Although there is no skiing in the mountains surrounding Dragash, the area is beautiful. Friday is market day in Dragash.

Shadervan. The main square in town, this stone piazza is surrounded by cafes, bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors. During the day this is an excellent place to sit and have a coffee, or have lunch and watch the town go about its business. The fountain in the center of the piazza is safe to drink from and is a central gathering point during hot summer afternoons. From about 21:30 to 00:00 on almost every night in the summer the streets around Shadervan are crowded with locals walking the corso, meeting, chatting and drinking.

Prizren Hamam, Adem Jashari, (near the center of town, just up from the main post office.. It is a distinctive complex of low brick domes. No longer used as public baths, the building is occasionally used for art exhibits. The Hamam of Prizren is an early Ottoman-era monument in which oriental and local traditions combine. It was built in the heart of the city in 1563/4 by Gazi Mehmet Pasha, at the time when he was also building the nearby mosque. The Hamam has two large and nine small domes and is separated into men’s and women’s sections. As one of the most precious Hamams in South-East Europe, it embodies special architectural, historical, cultural and social values. Integrated for centuries in the lives of the citizens, it has become a symbol for the spiritual and cultural heritage of Prizren and its region. The building functioned as a Hamam until 1944. It then served for cheese production, as a warehouse, and later the entrance area was used for cultural events. In state protection since 1954, the Hamam was repaired and maintained until 1981 when it was left at the mercy of time. After the NATO intervention in Kosovo in 1999, some limited measures were undertaken for the monument’s protection.

Orthodox Cathedral, Sahatkulla (Serbian Quarter. The cathedral was badly damaged during the ethnic riots of March 2004, but has largely been repaired since. As of April 2010 however it was not open to the public (there's a sign on the gate to contact the Prizren Police office for entry). There is usually a police officer guarding the cathedral. If you show him your passport and reassure him that you intend no harm, you will get access. Occasionally an Orthodox monk is present who will happily tell you the history of the church. Listed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]

Small chapel.

Mosque of Sinan Pasha, Mimar Sinani. The largest mosque in the city, dominating the town center is the Mosque of Sinan Pasha. This is one of the most important monuments from the occupation of the Ottoman Empire in this territory. According to the inscription inside the mosque, Sofi Sinan Pasha, built it for his co-citizens, on hijrij year 1024 (1615). The mosque was built with walls over 2 m thick, more than 50 windows, and the minaret is one of the highest in the city. The airy interior is adorned by floral paintings, slightly reminiscent of (but much plainer than) the Painted Mosque of [[Tetovo]], on the Macedonian side of the Sharr Mountains. The mosque is very rich in ornaments of many colors and shapes. The interior of the mosque is decorated by arabesques and other decorations of flora and fauna in the baroque style. There are two layers of paintings in it, the paintings of the time when the mosque was built (17th century) and a second layer of paintings (19th century). In the entrance the mosque has a fountain, built by the founder. The mosque also used to have a madras and a library with numerous books on various subjects.

Bajrakli Mosque. The 14th-century Mosque of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror can be reached on the first left street in front of the Hamam. The Bajrakli mosque dates from 1566 and is possibly the most beautiful mosque in Prizren with ornate wood work and detailed blue and white paintings.

Church of St. George, Marin Barleti.

Catholic Church, Papa Gjon Pali II (stands at the top of the stone street that leads from the “Shadërvan Square”.

Prizren League Complex. An old complex where its namesake political organization was founded in June 10, 1878. The Albanian Prizren League began with a gathering of 300 representatives of all Albanian regions. In the meeting there were also Bosnians from Bosnia and Sanxhak. The aim of the meeting was to form an autonomous Albanian state that would cover the Ottoman regions (vilayets) of Prizren, Shkodra, M0nastir and Yanina. The League was the first serious effort to create an united Albanian region since the medieval era of Skanderbeg.

Serbian Quarter remains. The mostly destroyed Serbian Quarter above the city - from the center of the city, start heading up hill. You will see the remains of the walls on the crest of the hill - head up paths in that direction. There are no signs along the way.

City castle. It has a wonderful view over the town. The castle dates from Roman era.

• Riverside walk up to the fortress. Through the attractive river valley, past the site of the Dokufest camp. At one point the path seems to come to a dead-end, retrace your steps and cross the bridge. Eventually the path leaves the river and turns right, uphill through woods where there is abundant wildlife (butterflies, woodpeckers, lizards, salamanders and tortoises have been sighted!). The path eventually leads to the fortress, from where you can make your way back down past the Orthodox Cathedral.

• Dokufest. It is the largest film festival in Kosovo. In addition to the main theater spaces, improvised screening venues are also installed, including atop the Prizen fortress. During the Festival, the town is full of people and various parties go late at night in the bars. Documentary photo exhibitions, debates, master classes and lively music events are also part of the 9-day festival.

Dokufest. It is the largest film festival in Kosovo. In addition to the main theater spaces, improvised screening venues are also installed, including atop the Prizen fortress. During the Festival, the town is full of people and various parties go late at night in the bars. Documentary photo exhibitions, debates, master classes and lively music events are also part of the 9-day festival.

Riverside walk up to the fortress. Through the attractive river valley, past the site of the Dokufest camp. At one point the path seems to come to a dead-end, retrace your steps and cross the bridge. Eventually the path leaves the river and turns right, uphill through woods where there is abundant wildlife (butterflies, woodpeckers, lizards, salamanders and tortoises have been sighted!). The path eventually leads to the fortress, from where you can make your way back down past the Orthodox Cathedral.

There are few traditional crafts that are still practiced in Prizren and the surrounding area. In Prishtina, there are some women's cooperatives selling carpets and embroideries, and there may be one or two in Prizren as well. Ask around and someone will be able to direct you. The most traditional craft for Prizren has always been filigree. Very ornate pieces are made for traditional local wedding feasts, but more simple pieces are available in any of the shops that line the road leading into town. Poke around and ask to see the older pieces.

• Market. Market day is Wednesday. The town fills up with merchants from all of the surrounding villages. In addition to crafts such as wordworks, there are also cheap mass produced tchotckas and knick-knacks.

Market. Market day is Wednesday. The town fills up with merchants from all of the surrounding villages. In addition to crafts such as wordworks, there are also cheap mass produced tchotckas and knick-knacks.

The center of the town is full of barbeque restaurants (qebaptore). Prizren is well known in Kosovo for its barbeques as they make everything in front of your eyes. In the downtown or in Shadervan you can get plenty of these restaurants.

• Restaurant Sharr, Brezoviza (16 km from Prizren, in National Park Sharr. One of the best lamb and traditional pastry (flia).
• Various downtown sweets shops, Varies. You can find sweets such as baklava and tullumba which are traditionally made locally in Prizren. One of the best places for traditional sweets is Shendeti (near Shadervan), which also sells Boza (fermented cornflour drink).
• Restaurant Ambienti, Vatra shqiptare, (in the center. Offers a nice view of the town. Walk east from Shadervan, and the restaurant is up a slope overlooking the river. International fare at modest prices.
• Restaurant ODA. Offers menu food
• Restaurant Pauza. It offers you a really delicious food, starting from traditional food, wine, raki, picas like you never ate somewhere else, spaghetti, salads, soups and really nice tasting cafe with new interior design. In Edit Durham, contact nr.044/49 243415 or 044/49 218188, the opposite way of Kep Institution.
• Besimi-Beska Restaurant, 56 Sheshi i Shatërvanit, +383 29 233668.
• Qebaptore Afrimi. A small place hardly known to anyone, but the gourmets think it has the best kebap in Prizren.
• Marashi. Restaurant near Lumbardhi River. Location: Vatrat Shqiptare 25, Prizren, Kosovo. Phone number : +383 45 225 985
• Tiffany Restaurant. Marin Barleti 16 st. | Tiffany Hotel, Prizren 20000, Kosovo. Phone number : +383 29 333222

Restaurant Sharr, Brezoviza (16 km from Prizren, in National Park Sharr. One of the best lamb and traditional pastry (flia).

Various downtown sweets shops, Varies. You can find sweets such as baklava and tullumba which are traditionally made locally in Prizren. One of the best places for traditional sweets is Shendeti (near Shadervan), which also sells Boza (fermented cornflour drink).

Restaurant Ambienti, Vatra shqiptare, (in the center. Offers a nice view of the town. Walk east from Shadervan, and the restaurant is up a slope overlooking the river. International fare at modest prices.

Restaurant ODA. Offers menu food

Restaurant Pauza. It offers you a really delicious food, starting from traditional food, wine, raki, picas like you never ate somewhere else, spaghetti, salads, soups and really nice tasting cafe with new interior design. In Edit Durham, contact nr.044/49 243415 or 044/49 218188, the opposite way of Kep Institution.

Besimi-Beska Restaurant, 56 Sheshi i Shatërvanit, +383 29 233668.

Qebaptore Afrimi. A small place hardly known to anyone, but the gourmets think it has the best kebap in Prizren.

Marashi. Restaurant near Lumbardhi River. Location: Vatrat Shqiptare 25, Prizren, Kosovo. Phone number : +383 45 225 985

Tiffany Restaurant. Marin Barleti 16 st. | Tiffany Hotel, Prizren 20000, Kosovo. Phone number : +383 29 333222

There are plenty of coffee shops, bars, and pubs located in the downtown Shadervan. Also, various bakeries exist in the area with the most outstanding pastries and fresh daily specials. There is a nice coffebar "La Linea" just behind the Sinan Pasha Mosque.

• Pristina.
• Gjakova. closest city in Kosovo with the largest Ottoman-era bazaar in the Balkans
• Ulcinj, Montenegro.
• Skopje. €9.
• Tirana. Albania is generally considered safer than it once was, although it is not recommended to take a taxi to Albania unless you are traveling with a known and trusted local.
• Istanbul.
• Sharr National Park. pretty nature.
• Tetovo, Macedonia. Well, that's possible, but not so easily due to the almost impenetrable ridges of the Sharr Mountains in between. There's a remote road crawling through the mountains into Macedonia, but that's not much of a shortcut, really, and those that want to take a bus are better off detouring through Skopje, anyway.

Pristina.

Gjakova. closest city in Kosovo with the largest Ottoman-era bazaar in the Balkans

Ulcinj, Montenegro.

Skopje. €9.

Tirana. Albania is generally considered safer than it once was, although it is not recommended to take a taxi to Albania unless you are traveling with a known and trusted local.

Istanbul.

Sharr National Park. pretty nature.

Tetovo, Macedonia. Well, that's possible, but not so easily due to the almost impenetrable ridges of the Sharr Mountains in between. There's a remote road crawling through the mountains into Macedonia, but that's not much of a shortcut, really, and those that want to take a bus are better off detouring through Skopje, anyway.