Gjakova

The relatively large city of Gjakova, a straightforward 30-minute drive northwest of Prizren, has its roots way back in the Dardanian period of history. Known in previous times as Patkova, Reka and Altin, the name Gjakova (Đakovica in Serbian) first appeared in historical Ottoman records in 1485. During the 17th century the city went through a period of rapid development, with many mosques, hans, tekkes and a beautiful hamam being constructed during this time. Pride of place in the centre of the city was the Çarshia e Madhe, or Grand Bazaar, a large marketplace attracting traders from all over the region that was seriously damaged during the 1999 war but that’s now almost completely renovated. Unlike most of the other destinations outside of Prizren mentioned in this guide, Gjakova has enough to see and do to warrant an overnight stay. Gjakova has plenty to see, and the following few sights serve as a brief introduction to the city. A future In Your Pocket guide will dedicate much more space to it.

The bridges of Gjakova county

Ura e Terzive
On the outskirts of Gjakova close to the small Catholic-populated village of Bishtazhin is the so-called Ura e Terzive (Tailors’ Bridge), a fine example of Ottoman stone bridge architecture dating from 1750 and named so as it’s believed it was paid for by local tailors. Once the longest bridge in Kosovo, the structure is closed to road traffic but is clearly visible from the modern bridge built in its place that runs alongside.

Ura e Shenjtë
Close to the settlement of Gexhë on the main road from Prizren to Gjakova is a rather nondescript road bridge, Ura e Shenjtë (Sacred Bridge), crossing the Drin i Bardhë river with a particularly charming if not slightly bizarre story. According to legend, three brothers set to work building the structure but were thwarted at every turn. It was thus decided that a sacrifice should be made to appease the gods, the sacrifice being none other than one of the brothers’ wives. The wife in question had a young child, and in order to save the child’s life the wife demanded that one of her breasts was spared in order to keep on feeding the infant. Such is the stuff of legend. The bridge, which is at the southern end of a splendid gorge, is a hugely popular place during the summer when people come to camp alongside it, party, and, you’ve guessed it, jump off the bridge into the rapid-flowing water below. Next to the bridge is a restaurant and motel of the same name.

Ura e Shenjtë Restaurant & Motel
The restaurant doesn’t look that special, but the food is very good, plus there’s a great terrace that opens during the warmer part of the year. There are also two cottages alongside that can be rented complete with living room, two bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom.
Open 08:00 - 24.00. Cottages €30.