Prishtina

Because of its geographically strategic position Prishtina has always served as a bridge to connecting people, goods and cultures between southern and eastern Europe. Prishtina has experienced a rollercoaster of influences (Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, 1st and 2nd Bulgarian Empire, Serbian Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Albanian Rule Period, Ottoman Empire, Yugoslavia) making it a very culturally diverse place, which aims to protect its versatile heritage up to this day. Beside living in different challenging periods and occupations, the people of Prishtina made the best out of these influences and converted this baggage of history into the virtue of true hospitality. One of the best traits is definitely the friendliness of people and the fact that the majority speaks foreign languages and accepts different cultures with great curiosity and respect.

 
 
 
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Kosovo declared its independence in 2008, with Prishtina as its capital city, making it the second largest capital inhabited by Albanians, after Tirana. Being the capital of a newborn state, Prishtina is always under construction and development in economical, political, industrial, and cultural sense. The fast paced urbanization of this center is sometimes seen as a threat to all the antique heritage that this city once used to own, but you can still find traces of the past in some of the top monuments located in Prishtina.

Some of the top historical monuments to visit within the city of Prishtina are The National Museum, Archaeological Park, Ethnical Museum, Clock Tower, Imperial Mosque, Nene Tereza Cathedral, Nena Tereza Main Square, Skanderbeg Monument, The National Library, Monument of Brotherhood and Unity etc.

What makes Prishtina distinctive from other cities in Kosova, is definitely the majority of youth, urban vibe, love for art, entertaining events and places, caffe culture (super cool cafeterias to hang out), bookstores, restaurants, shopping malls and underground nightlife.

(Photos: from Arben Llapashtica)

 
 
 
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Prizren

Prizren is the second most famous and populated municipality of Kosova.

It is known as the historic capital of Kosova and hearth of different cultures, religions and ethnicities. Prizren is possibly one of the only towns in the Balkans that has a chatolic church, orthodox church and a mosque placed in a perimeter with less than 100m distance from each other. Pretty amazing huh? This city seems to have perfectionised the instrument of tolerance and respect for different religions.

Prizren is a clash of illyrian, byzantine-romanesque and ottoman architecture squeezed between the marvelous Sharr Mountains, blessed with temperate oceanic climate and decorated with rivers inside out. As you walk in the streets of Prizren you will hear many different languages being spoken such as Albanian, Turkish, Serbian and a variety of dialects, but still feel at home mainly because of the super friendly and hospitable attitude of the people, comfortable places and delicious traditional food and beverage served by cheapest price and highest quality.

You will definitely feel a historical vibe because of the stone bridges and the main road paved in cobblestones, and the sight of an antique fortress rising in a hilltop. Prizren is one of the most touristic cities in Kosova, and home of the most famous film festival in Kosovo-Dokufest, which each year gathers people from all over the world. It’s the city of festivals, camping, friendships, relaxation and exploration. Some of the monuments in Prizren are protected by UNESCO, and once you are there you should totally visit: Kalaja (Prizren Fortress), Shadervani Square where most mosques and churches are located, Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš, Sofi Sinan Pasha Mosque, The Prizren League House, The Hammam, Bajrakli Mosque etc.

After your journey throughout epochs and cultures you can enjoy some of the most delicious kebabs and home made rakia or wine, and afterwards you can spend your afternoon drinking Çaj (Black tea served in cute tiny glasses) and playing chess or dominos. Another great idea is to hike up the fortress and experience a magickal sunset with the whole view of the city served at hand.

(Photos: from Arben Llapashtica)