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Second largest city of Kosovo
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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.
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Kosovo Tourist Guides Association
Umbrella organization of tourist guides in Kosovo. They will put you in touch with a local guide suitable for your activity.
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.
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.
It was built in 1513 and is the oldest in town. The grave of famous Prizren poet, Suzi Celebi is surrounded by a small wall and the year of death is signed on it.
Our Lady of Ljevis, Shën Premtja
The cathedral was badly damaged during the 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, 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.
Serbian Orthodox church founded in 1331–1332 by Dragoslav Tutić, whose monastic name was Nikola (Nicholas), and his wife Bela.
In 1979 it opened as the Electrical Museum of Kosovo, exhibiting many original materials and photographs that reflect the development of the electrical economy in Kosovo.
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 time 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 colours 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 16th-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.
It is a 350-year-old tariqah in the center of Prizren. The tekke object of the Halveti is found in the Saraçët neighborhood, near the Kukli Mehmed Bey's mosque. The Havlet Tariqah was established at the end of the 16th century, by father Osman who came to Prizren and lived in Kukli Mehmet-Bey's mosque. The object is simple, built of stone and mud while the coverage is made from traditional brick. The tekke complex consists of several buildings, such as the tekke, rites room (semihane), shrine, residential building and waiting room. More generally, the complex consists of two parts: the tekke and the rites room.
A prominent monument in the city centre, the large Episcopal Church from 1887 is situated on the site of an earlier church. The interior was originally richly decorated with ashlar stones, polished onyx, marble panes, frescoes, icons gathered here from various churches, and a wooden iconostasis. Restoration by a multi-ethnic team of craftsmen was finished in the early 2020s, and work on the white marble interior was completed in early 2010. Casual visitors are welcome to have a look inside after asking permission from the police stationed outside. Right beside the Episcopal Church stands the small Church of St George, or Runović’s Church, from the 14th-16th century. This picturesque single-aisled chapel has a barrel vault and used to be richly decorated with 16th century frescoes.
Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
Prizren’s main Catholic church from 1870 is a fairly typical Italian-inspired building with three naves and marble-clad columns. The façade is remarkable for the variety of stone used, while the interior frescoes above the door depict the medieval Christian Albanian hero Skanderbeg who unified Albanians and kept the Ottomans at bay, against all odds. The Skanderbeg portrait is the only one presenting him on the frontal position. Depicted beside him is the great Transylvania Ottoman-slayer, János Hunyadi or Iancu de Hunedoara, who did Christianity a great favour by defeating Mehmed II’s army at Belgrade in 1456.
The Church of Holy Saviour in Prizren is a significant medieval Serbian Orthodox church, known for its historical and architectural value. Constructed in the 14th century, it is a fine example of Byzantine architecture, featuring intricate frescoes and stone carvings. The church has been a witness to the region's turbulent history, including damage during conflicts, but remains a symbol of cultural heritage. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Medieval Monuments in Kosovo,' highlighting its importance in the preservation of medieval art and architecture.
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 Sanjak. The aim of the meeting was to form an autonomous Albanian state that would cover the Ottoman regions (vilayets) of Prizren, Shkodra, Monastir and Yanina. The League was the first serious effort to create a united Albanian region since the medieval era of Skanderbeg.
Namazgah is also known as the "Kırık Mosque," (Broken Mosque) among the people of Prizren. This important cultural heritage was built on the order of Sultan Mehmed II, better known as Mehmed the Conqueror, so Ottoman soldiers could pray in the city after they conquered it in 1455. Built by İsa Bey, one of the sultan's commanders, it was the first Muslim house of prayer in the city.
A maple tree stands in Marash Park along the Prizren Bistrica. In the Marash neighborhood nearby there was once a khanqah or Sufi monastery known locally as a tekke, whose founder is said to have planted the tree. The tree was legally protected in 1959 and is scientifically estimated to be over 400 years old (though legends stretch the age to 500 years). The Marash maple is 20.9 metres (69 ft) with a crown 12 metres (39 ft) in diameter, a trunk 3 metres (9.8 ft) in circumference at the base, and leaves 13 centimetres (5.1 in) to 14 centimetres (5.5 in) long. The tree lies 417 metres (1,368 ft) above sea level.
Prizren Fortress is a hilltop fortification in Prizren in Kosovo. It overlooks the Prizren River which flows through Prizren, which developed around the fortress. The site of the fortress of Prizren has seen habitation and use since the Bronze Age (ca. 2000 BC). Also, has a UÇK sign in its wall, which allows for some interesting pictures.
Once functioning as a Turkish bathhouse and built by Ahmet Shemsedin Bey in 1498 although possibly dating to back before this time, Prizren’s Archaeological Museum opened its doors in 1975. Now fully renovated in one of the loveliest interiors in Prizren, the museum holds over 800 items of archaeological interest from antiquity to the 19th century, discovered in Prizren, Dragash, Rahovec and Suhareka. A fascinating insight into the history of the region, the building also features a clock tower built towards the end of the 19th century with Baroque elements by Eshref Pasha. The tower used to have a chiming clock which was removed in 1912. The view from the city and surrounding mountains from the observation post (babafinga) at the top is well worth the struggle to get up there.
Lumbardhi Cinema was established in 1952 in Prizren, in then the Socialist Yugoslavia. Opened as part of a modern cultural construction in a newly emerged country, it first operated as an indoor cinema. In 1959, the outdoor cinema was also opened for the public. Until the military intervention in 1999, Lumbardhi functioned as a cinema which was governed as a self-managed public institution. ; Following the war in 1999, and due to the financial and logistical difficulties, it couldn’t re-functionalise itself, and was turned into an asset to be liquidated by the privatisation agency. Despite its sad institutional fate in the new post-war situation, the cinema preserved its collective meaning as a site of memory, informal gatherings and festivals. ; The famous documentary film festival of the city, Dokufest, which opened its first edition in 2002 at Lumbardhi, was an important link that connected the new and old generations of cinema lovers. Following an initiative that saved it from demolition in 2007 after the decision of the then-mayor, there was an attempt to privatise it in 2014 but was fiercely opposed by the campaign led by EC Ma Ndryshe, DokuFest and the Network of Cultural Organisations – RrOK, that managed to stop the privatisation process. ; Kino Lumbardhi is closing for renovations in June 2025.
Beledija (Ndërtesa e Kuvendit të Vjetër) is the building where the first Municipal Assembly of Prizren was held at the end of the 19th century. The building is used as an information center for cultural inheritance and for tourists’ orientation.
It was supposedly built in 1591. It was repaired in 1893–94 based on an inscription.
"Perparim Thaqi" Stadium
Home ground of FC Liria. The vibrant atmosphere created by the passionate local supporters truly enhances the game-day experience, making it an unforgettable event for fans and visitors alike.
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.
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.
Through the attractive river valley, passing next to a 600 year old tree. 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.
Cycle to the nearby village of Nashec, next to the river Drin (the biggest in Kosovo), 9 km away from the city centre.
Cycle to the village of Recan, 9 km towards the Sharr national park.
Wonderful journey through the national park passing around 15 villages and a lot of restaurants on the way.
At the other end of the Oshlak Trail, you can continue hiking in this nature reserve with impressive mountains, valleys, waterfalls and mountain lakes. You can start in either of the three towns (or do a round track): Mushnikovë, Gornje Selo, or Prevallë. The reserve has many places for camping and for the lazy one, you can even go up until 1,950 m elevation with a proper 4WD. A proper round trail here should be about 20–26 km, with an elevation difference of about 1,500 m.
DokuFest, International Documentary and Short Film Festival, is the largest film festival in Kosovo. Each year the festival fills the cinemas and improvised screening venues around the historic center of Prizren with a selection of more than 200 hand-picked films from around the world. ; In 2002, DokuFest was established with the vision of reinvigorating cinema and enriching the cultural landscape of Prizren. Over the years, it has evolved into the premier documentary and short film festival in Southeast Europe. Notably, since 2019, DokuFest has earned the esteemed status of being a BAFTA qualifying festival for short films, and in 2022, it was designated as a nominating festival for the prestigious European Film Academy. ; The festival spans nine exciting days filled with captivating events, including documentary photo exhibitions, engaging debates, informative master classes, and vibrant music performances. DokuFest offers a diverse and immersive experience, celebrating the art of filmmaking while fostering dialogue and appreciation for the cinematic arts in the region.
NGOM Fest is a yearly music festival established in Prizren, Kosovo. The word "Ngom" is written in Gheg Albanian dialect and it means "Listen to me" whereas the word "Fest" represents the abbreviation of the word "Festival". This Festival originates from a group of young and creative people who are active in the social life of Prizren and Kosovo. The first edition of the festival was held in June 2011 and due to its major success, the activists were more committed in organizing this event. The main objectives of this festival are to promote new bands and artists, build a new perspective for music festivals in Kosovo, and to connect different ethnic groups in Kosovo and in the region. 2025 year edition will be hold on 03-06 July, 2025
Prizren celebrates its great musical legacy every June/July with the unique Zambaku i Prizrenit (Lily of Prizren) festival, held at the open air Lumbardhi cinema. Although the festival focuses on Albanian-language songs, some editions also have performances by other ethnic groups from Kosovo. At the festival it's not just old material that is performed – each year new artists add songs to Prizren's repertoire.
One of the few vegetarian restaurants in town, with a decent variety of local dishes and affordable prices, in a nice setting. Don't miss the pancakes, which are not mentioned in the menu. Try salep if you like sweet and hot drinks.
A vegan place selling delicious and inexpensive Çig Köfte, dürüms and porçions.
Te Syla is one of the most famous kebab eateries in Prizren. Simple menu and affordable.
Great place to have qebapa and drinking beers.
It has great Toplia, a simple breakfast product that you can have with tea.
A small place hardly known to anyone, but the gourmets think it has the best kebab in Prizren.
Offers a nice view of the town. International fare at modest prices.
Traditional Albanian home cuisine in an upscale setting.
Interesting and cosy bar with a British touch, serving ales and ciders besides the usual. They also have a large liquor, spirits and cocktail menu. The music is 60s, 70s and 80s.
It is a nice and friendly bar with a private backyard where DJs occasionally play selected tunes of various genres.
A nice bar next to the orthodox church, where you can drink different local beers.
It is a small shop located in the main street. It has the best fresh Boza in town.
Affordable, comfortable and friendly hostel in the centre of the town.
The hotel opened in 1964 and was renovated in 2012.
Near the city center and river. It is rising in popularity with foreign travelers.
This is also a small hotel. All rooms have their private bathrooms. The price includes breakfast and laundry. The rooms are very clean and quite nice. They all have cable television, air condition, refrigerator and wireless. Also, computers with internet access are available in rooms and reception. Check-in is closed between 00:00 and 08:00.
This is very reasonable, and the owners and staff are more than willing to cater to your every whim. Hotel Pik-Nik also has a beautiful restaurant and upstairs rotunda and seating for privacy. The restaurant menu is filled with traditional Balkan cuisine, and serves the best calzone in Prizren.
Breakfast costs €2 extra. The staff is very hospitable and the hotel is very clean.
a 6-minute walk from Mahmet Pasha Hamam. With a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property provides city views, a terrace and a 24-hour front desk.
Features a fitness center, a bar and a shared lounge. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free Wi-Fi. The hotel provides city views and a terrace.
Enjoying a central position in Prizren, along Lumbardh River, Classic Hotel Prizren offers air-conditioned rooms fitted with free WiFi. Shadervan fountain and the Old Stone Bridge are just a short walk away.
All units are soundproof rooms, equipped with safety boxes, minibars, air conditioning, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The private bathrooms feature bath, hairdryer and bathrobe. Free parking is provided at the hotel. Offers refreshing drinks and snacks at the hotel's bar and bistro. There's a terrace on the 5th floor with views of the nearby mountains. It's near the local bus and train stations, the Ottoman period spa remains and the Nashec park promenade with its lake.
Free ATM withdrawal with foreign cards. All other ATMs charge €5 per withdrawal.
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.
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Daytripping from Skopje
With direct buses from Skopje arriving in the evening, and making their return in the morning, a day-trip from Skopje may not seem possible, but if you put some thought and effort into it, you will…
By taxi
Taxis are abundant and quite inexpensive.50 at most. It is best to use registered taxis as they have fixed prices and are metered.
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Prishtina · International · PRN
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Articles and travel topics about Prizren and Kosovo.
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