_{Places to Visit in Prizren}

Prizren is a charming city you might want to explore during your visa-free Balkan trip. This city resembles a classic Anatolian town, making it easy to warm up to the region when you visit the places to see in Prizren.

It is known as a Turkish city in the Balkans. You can find Turkish inscriptions all over the city, and you can communicate with most people in Turkish.

Prizren, the second-largest city in Kosovo after Pristina, offers many Ottoman remnants in our list of places to visit. This guide will answer all your questions, such as "Where is Prizren, how to get there, what to eat, where are the historical and tourist attractions?"

Where is Prizren?

Let's start with the question, "Where is Kosovo?" Kosovo is one of the visa-free Balkan countries and is bordered by North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro.

So, where is Prizren? This Turkish city, one of the most beautiful cities in Kosovo, is located in the south of the country, near the Albania-North Macedonia border. It is 85 km away from Kosovo's capital, Pristina.

What is prizren famous for ?

Prizren Fortress: Located in the center of the city, this fortress dates back to the Middle Ages and is one of the city's most important historical landmarks.
Prizren Bazaar: The bazaars in the city are famous for their traditional Ottoman-era architecture. Here, you can find handmade products, souvenirs, and local delicacies.
Prizren Synagogue: The Prizren Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Balkans and is known for its historical and architectural significance.
Prizren Stone Bridge: This stone bridge in the city dates back to the Ottoman era and is one of the city's symbols. The bridge over the river is an important structure that preserves the historical texture.
Prizren Manuscript Library: This library in the city houses rare manuscripts and is of historical importance.

Prizren is also famous for its festivals and events. The Prizren Film Festival, especially held in the summer months, is one of the important events that adds color to the city's cultural life.

How to Get to Prizren?

There are no direct flights from Turkey to Prizren. Therefore, you first need to land at Pristina International Airport. After landing at the airport, you can take a taxi or go to Pristina first and then take a bus to Prizren. If you take a taxi, be sure to negotiate the fare 😊

If you are in a neighboring country or on a bus tour in the Balkans, you can easily travel to Prizren. You can find bus tickets to Prizren from many cities here.

By the way, it's worth mentioning that if you want to go from Kosovo to Serbia, you cannot cross the border because Serbia has not yet recognized Kosovo. However, interestingly, you can travel from Kosovo to Serbia.

Even if you plan to travel the Balkans by car, transportation is quite easy, and there are usually no problems at the border crossings, as far as I know.

When to Visit Prizren?

A Kosovo Prizren Tour allows you to travel in any season of the year. The Balkans are only cold in winter, so it is recommended to be prepared. This way, you can add this beautiful small country to your winter holiday options in Europe.

Kosovo is easily accessible, so you can travel to this country at any time. You can easily come for a weekend, holidays, or official holidays and spend your vacation here. If you have the opportunity, don't miss it, especially if you love cultural trips.

Tourist Attractions in Kosovo Prizren

Let's talk a bit about the city's history. It served as an Ottoman sanjak for 457 years. This city of the Ottoman period is the only city in Europe where Turkish is spoken. Most people already have relatives or acquaintances in Turkey.

Turkish forces are also stationed in the city for the peace and stability of the country, as part of the NATO Kosovo Force. Turkish officers, non-commissioned officers, and specialists continue to serve in Sultan Murat's barracks to maintain peace in the homeland.

Actually, there's not much to see in the city, but exploring the historic town on foot is a lot of fun. You will feel like you are wandering the streets of Anatolia. You can add the following routes to your list of places to visit in Prizren:

Arasta Mosque:

Only the minaret of the mosque remains today. The mosque, built in the 16th century, was demolished by a government decision in the 1960s. Due to subsequent protests, the minaret could not be demolished.

Xhamia e Mbretit (The King's Mosque):

The King's Mosque was originally opened as a church for the Serbian Kingdom. Later, it was converted into a mosque. Why is it called the King's Mosque? Because the first prayer performed here was the Friday prayer, which is why this name stuck. It is one of the structures where you can see the reflections of different cultures under one roof.

Namazgah:

Namazgah is very close to the bus station. It was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1455. It is also known as Kırık Mosque (Broken Mosque).

Halveti Tekke:

The building called Halveti Tekke was built in 1835, but the Halveti Sufi order was founded in the 16th century by Osman Baba. The tekke is considered one of the best-preserved examples of the Ottoman period and Islamic architecture.

It consists of sections such as the tomb, living room, and waiting room. In addition to Osman Baba, the tomb of a few members of the Halveti Sufi order is also located here.

Gazi Mehmet Pasha Hamam (Bathhouse):

One of the historical Ottoman structures in the Balkans, Gazi Mehmet Pasha Hamam, was built in the 16th century. The hamam, used by Kosovars, now serves as an exhibition area for visitors.

It was part of a complex designed by Rüstem Pasha, consisting of a mosque and a madrasa. The hamam is of great importance to Prizren.

Serbian Orthodox Church:

This religious structure, the Serbian Orthodox Church, was built in the 13th century. It was severely damaged during the 2004 riots and has not yet been reopened for worship. The church is on the road to the fortress, and from the church in the greenery, you can also see a beautiful city view.

Prizren Fortress:

The history of the fortress dates back to the Roman period. It was used by the Byzantine Empire and Serbia. The Ottoman Empire further fortified the castle, enhancing its rich cultural value.

Shadervan Square:

Shadervan Square is said to be the beating heart of the city, the busiest place in town. It's also a meeting place for people.

There are many cafes and restaurants around Shadervan Square. In addition, you can find shops for shopping and souvenir shops in this area.

Stone Bridge:

Stone bridges are one of the most common architectural structures in the Ottoman geography. The Stone Bridge, an Ottoman work in Prizren, connects the two sides of the Bistrica River. Next to the bridge is the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey.

The construction date of the bridge is unknown, but historians estimate that it was built in the 15th century. However, the stone bridge was destroyed in the 1979 flood. It was reconstructed in 1982 while remaining faithful to its original design.

Sinan Pasha Mosque:

The mosque, built by Sinan Pasha, the governor of Bosnia at the time, is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman-Islamic architecture. Built in 1615, the mosque is considered a symbol of the city. It is also the only mosque in Kosovo where sermons are given in Turkish.

The mosque served as a depot during World War II. It was reopened for worship in 1993 after restoration work carried out by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).

Conclusion

That's all the information about places to visit in Prizren. I would be very happy if I could help you, dear readers 😊

If you also share what you know about Prizren or the memories of your visit in the comments below, we can provide more guidance to first-time visitors. I wish you a pleasant vacation in visa-free Kosovo.