Five reasons to visit Prizren, Kosovo’s cultural capital

enisshkurti (67)in #travel • 7 years ago

Unlike many other cities, not because Prizren is my hometown, but I adore this place, there are many reasons why.

I talk a lot about my city because it is really amazing, maybe you haven't heard about it before but here is a good article to read about!

There are plenty articles written about Prizren I will share them too.

* It has a stunning location

Nestled in a valley between the Sharr Mountains on one side and the ruins of a hilltop citadel on the other, Flowing through the heart of the city is the Lumbardhi (Bistrica) River, its fast-flowing waters skimming over a riverbed of boulders and under the many bridges that criss-cross the city. From the citadel, the old town spills off the hillside to the cobbled Shadervan Square below, flanked by the iconic Sinan Pasha Mosque and the humpbacked Stone Bridge. With a heady mix of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture, the city deserves its alternative name: ‘The Museum under the Open Sky

* Unique film festival, ( ranked as one of the top international documentary and short film festivals in the world )

Dokufest; is an International Documentary and Short Film Festival held in the Kosovo town of Prizren. It is an annual festival held in August. Dokufest was founded in 2002 by a group of friends. It has since grown into a cultural event that attracts international and regional artists and audiences. Films are screened throughout the eight-day festival and accompanied by programs, activities and workshops. Every year they have a special message hidden behind;

* The food is amazing

Tables spill from the many cafes that edge Schadervan Square and line the riverside. The devalued pound goes a long way in Prizren and you can pick up a tea, coffee or beer for around a euro, and a filling meal for not much more. Kosovars are masters of hospitality and their waiters are helpful, polite and friendly.For something off-the-cuff, you can enjoy a beer while aiming your pistol at a cardboard target in the ‘Aim and Shoot’ Coffee Bar. Otherwise, head for Restaurant Vila 100 for fine cuisine.

Food is plentiful and good, not just in Prizren but also in the surrounding countryside. The Zhupa Valley is renowned for its fish restaurants, while the Hasi Region serves up deliciously rustic and filling mountain food.Check out Restaurant Xheti near Gjonaj for its enormous breadboards of pastries – cheese burek, flija (creamy crepe), krelane (pumpkin pie), served with olives and ajvar – all served with ripe tomatoes, fresh cucumber and lettuce. And to finish, try a cup of macchiato espresso, strong and smooth.If you hit the Hasi Region in the rakija-making session, the chances are you’ll be invited into someone’s backyard for a glass or two (or more) of their homegrown brew, along with nibbles and cheese.
*Shopping for traditional handicrafts

The ultimate shopping experience in Prizren is paying a visit to one of the city’s many filigree shops. This traditional technique in jewelry-making first arrived in Kosovo via Ottoman caravans around the 15th century and has remained an artisanal pride and joy of Prizren ever since. Filigrani is perhaps the best-known collective of filigree artists who occupy an all-but-abandoned building in northwest Prizren and famously welcome for a visit anyone who’s interested in seeing the metastasizing magic happen. If time permits, you might even be able to give it a go yourself or, for the more serious, filigree courses lasting from a few weeks to a few months can be arranged. Keep in mind that for every 10 shops you see, perhaps only one sells products that were handmade locally – to ensure you’re buying the best-quality pieces and leaving your money where you should, ask for proof of authenticity.

* The People are Wonderful

You can't think the hospitality could be that great. But Kosovo raised the bar. People are quite unreserved when discussing their religion and culture, which makes for incredibly interesting listening.

IS IT WORTH VISITING PRIZREN IN KOSOVO?

Yes – it’s worth visiting Prizren! Investe time in the city history. However, plan to visit Prizen during Doku Fest – one of the biggest and most important documentary film festivals in Europe. Hike around the Shar Mountains. And spend even more time walking off path in the narrow streets of Prizren. If you are thinking of visiting Kosovo, contact me, For more posts about Kosovo and what to see there;

https://www.vogue.com/article/balkans-travel-destinations-macedonia-kosovo-serbia-romania-albania-bosnia