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Sightseeing
In the 1950s, demolition of parts of the old centre took place in the name of building a new socialist city - publications at the time boast that "old shop fronts and other shaky old structures are quickly disappearing to make room for fine tall, modern-style buildings.”
The lovely little Catholic Church was demolished, as was the region's largest covered market, a mosque (which made way for the Iliria hotel), the synagogue, a hamam bath house and many Ottoman-era houses. The rivers Pristevka and Vellushka were hidden beneath concrete. This all goes to explain the apparent dearth of charm.
It's a scary fact that the careless attitude of the 1950s still lives on. Several listed buildings have disappeared without trace over the past few years and the remaining monuments are often in poor condition. What's even worse is that people protecting Pristina's cultural heritage are in danger. In 2000, city planner Rexhep Luci was conducting an inventory of destroyed historic buildings and unauthorised wild construction when he was murdered on the street. The crime is still unsolved and illegal buildings are still going up.
Despite all this, it's pleasant to stroll around the former bazaar area, taking in the lively goings-on at the markets or watching the mosques fill up at prayer time.
An excellent 'walkable map' of Pristina, also published in our print guide, can be found here.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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Bazaar
Pristina's liveliest area is without doubt the large bazaar, east of Rruga Ilir Konusheci. Although most of it was destroyed in the 1950s, it still retains
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Fatih Mosque
Opposite the clock tower, the Fatih or Imperial Mosque was built in 1461 under Turkish Sultan Mehmed II Fatih ('the conqueror'), as witnessed by the
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Gracanica Monastery
The monastery in the town of Gracanica, a short drive south of Pristina, is one of Kosovo's best religious monuments. Completed in 1321 and built by the
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Gërmia Park
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Çarshia Mosque
The 'market mosque' is Pristina's oldest building, constructed in the 15th century by Turkish Sultan Bajazit to commemorate the 1389 victory. Now no
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Latest Comments
She was originally Albanian, born in Prizren and moved to Macedonia before she went to India.
EDITOR: ...born in Prizren? Eh? [...]
As a newcomer expat in Kosovo, I am thrilled to find a big and undeveloped park within spitting distance of the overcrowded and polluted city! I have been out to the park twice and am impressed with the trails and the space.[...]
Mother Teresa is NOT of ethnic Albanian origin, she was Vlach. Check your facts please.
EDITOR: The semi-saint herself even said she's Albanian though she may be fibbing. We also asked our Bucharest office and they confirmed that Romania's main airport was not yet named after her, though Albania's is.[...]
This monument Is not about the brotherhood between Albanians, Serbs and Turks because there are no Turks in Kosovo. Its about the supossed brotherhood and unity between Albanians, Serbs and Montenegrins.[...]
Thanks for the tourist information!
[...]
This church was build on a time when Kosova was ocupied 90% of the capital of Kosova which is Prishtina were Albanian. The place where the church is buid used to be the property of University of Prishtina and still remains the same.In that area ther[...]
I think that world famous big cities would give billions to have such a nice place so nearby.[...]
I heard that the Jews moved from Kosova soon after the 2nd World War, not as a result of the Yugoslav war but as a result of bad economy. Albania was the only country to shelter and save Jews from the Nazis. Jews of Serbian origin moved to Belgrad[...]
Agreed, the Ethnological Museum is a real treat. Best of all on a summer or fall Saturday when they have live music, traditional food, and sometimes visiting "elders" telling their stories.[...]
This old house/museum is a real oasis in the middle of Pristina. It's calm and beautiful, with enthusiastic, informative English-speaking guides who will show you some stunning crafts and make sense of Kosovo by explaining a range of Kosovan custom[...]