Peja

It was built in 1928. As a parish, the Church Saint Katarina is existing from the period of Koncili the First of Arberi (1703) leaded by the Pope Clemente.

This is an interesting bazaar with a typical oriental architecture. You'll be able to find different original artisan shops such as the Albanian plis (cap-makers), gown-makers, sixhade (carpet) makers, shoemakers, watchmakers, and authentic goldsmiths. The most preserved part of the “Çarshia e Gjate” is the part called “Rrethishtja” (circle) in the middle where there is an old fountain.

The first windmill in Kosovo and the region which had an upgraded technology brought from Austria. The industrial economy started to develop with this windmill and for this reason it’s an interesting place to visit.

It is one of the most striking historic building in central Peja, which definitely deserves a visit. It is a beautiful historical cinema, built in 1955 with money of the Workers’ Union. Back then, the cinema was called 'Kino Rad' ('Workers' Cinema'). During the period 1955-1998 it served as a central point of joint cultural activities for the residents of Peja. Activities included screenings of the latest films, public discussions, music concerts, theatrical performances and children’s programs. The cinema was closed down when the war started in 1998 and was heavily damaged in the years after, just like the rest of Peja. In 2000, the building was renovated and partly reconstructed. In 2001, the cinema was reopened, with its name changed to ‘Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla’ in 2002. In 2016 the Privatization Agency of Kosovo put the building on the list of buildings for privatization, which meant it would lose its public function. However, backlash from the local community secured Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla a spot on the temporary list of protected cultural heritage buildings in Kosovo. Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is now a cultural center which hosts movie screenings, musical performances, poetry nights, board game nights, and more. Most activities are accessible to international audiences. It's also possible to get a guided tour, which introduces you to the rich history of the cinema.

Building was home to the local branch of Bankkos, the only bank of socialist-era Kosovo. The building stands as an imposing architectural protected monument, now unused.

Have a day trip or stay longer in this beautiful area.

This medieval Serbian monastery is still guarded by KFOR (NATO forces in Kosovo) and you will be required to surrender your passport to enter. The frescoes in the church are in great condition and the small gift shop sells monastery-made cravings, icons, raki and wine.

There you could find many natural beauties and resources:

A 25-km-long canyon. A natural monument of geological heritage. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kosovo. Rugova area is approximately 20 km long and 10 km wide.

Called also Great Lake or Kuqishte Lake, 1970 m a.s.l.

2522 m peak.

A waterfall 1 km west from R106 road; at Radac is the spring of Drini river.

During the summer, this place is fantastic, and the road to the river is an amazing, narrow road with wires on one side and the river on the other; this is a great part of Kosovo.

Shtupeq i Vogël, Shtupeq i Madh, Rekë e Allages, Malaj, Drelaj, Pepaj , Kuqishtë, Haxnaj, Stankaj, Bogë, Shkrel, Dugaivë and Koshutan. The houses of villages of Rugova (especially Upper Rugova) sometimes reach the height of 1,600 m, which is above upper forest line and already in pasture areas, covered with fields and meadows.

As a result of different natural conditions, in this very small region there are any natural rarities and very interesting natural phenomenons, like thermal and mineral hot-springs.

Around 30 m high. Also here is a cave system nearby with the same name.

A karstic river appearing here.

More than 23 km long, and has few waterfalls and so many water-springs, like Uji i Zi (Black Water), Kroi i km 5-të (5th km Spring), and so on, than hundreds of caves, most of them still unexplored, like Gryka e Madhe (Great Canyon) cave system, until now only around 11 km explored, then Shpella e Karamakazit (Black Scissors) cave, and Shpella e Kallabes (Kallaba Cave) where are foud the archeological remains of ancient humans, and other caves waiting to be explored.

You can go to the river and cool down on a hot summer day.

The people of Peja are very enthusiastic and welcoming to tourists.

The company provides tours in the region and a guided service to the Via Ferrata Ari and Mat. They also can arrange for you to take a zip line tour or hike in the region. The company offers guided and self-guided services to all visitors.

The company provides hiking tours in the region and a guided service to the Via Ferrata Ari and Mat. They also can arrange for you to take a zip line tour. The company offers guided and self-guided services to all visitors.

The hike to Liqenat Lake is a very popular activity when in or around Peja. It has absolutely stunning views and takes only about an hour to climb. When up in the Liqenat Lake, you will probably see other people having a picnic, so be sure to bring food and drinks with you, to have an enjoyable couple of hours up in the mountains.

You can jog around. You can hike on the mountains behind the school that's across Camp Caffe (Lusha's place).

Almost in all green areas are playgrounds.

For basketball and handball.

For karate, judo, boxing and other sports.

Visiting the mountains in winter time are more challenging than in other seasons. Skiing stages and escalators have been put up, meanwhile the road has been fixed, which makes it an easier driving in winter. - Apart from the skiing, you can also spend nights in Rugova but remember to book the place before going there. There are restaurants and bars on the way and at the spot as well. Generally is cheap but bear in mind that you’re on vacation anyway. Sleeping options in Boge: Hotel Rudi, Resort “Berati”, Hotel-Restaurant “Ke Luani”, Eko Hotel “Magra Austria”, Villas “Kodra”, Hotel “Rugova Relax”

1. 1. Maja e Vjeljakut (Volujak Peak, 2,014 m) – Stanet e Gllogjanit – Shtedime (6-7 hr). This route was marked many years ago and the marks have almost completely faded. - #2. Kuqishte – Boge (from Kuqishte 6 km by road) – Maja Dramadol (2,120 m) – Hajla summit (5-6 hr from Boge). - #3. Drelaj village – Koshutan - Maja Dramadol – Hajla summit (5-6 hours). - #4. Drelje – Pepiç – Hajla Keqe (Stanetë) - Qafa Hajles (Hajla pass) – Hajla summit.

This is famous for skiing and is frequently visited by people from different countries. Here you can go skiing at a low cost.

Tandem or single paragliding jumps over the city. Furthermore you can learn to lead the paraglide.

Equistran activity. Horses and ponies are available, you can also enjoy the traditional food and have a perfect view of Peja.

the largest caves are: Cave of Karamakazi (third kilometer), Cave of Ruta e Gurrës (Drelaj), Great Cave and Cave of Radavc in the North-East of Rugova. For more information see the Tourist Information Office (in the city center).