straight up something out of a fairy-tale
Incurable Romance Percolating in the Air
Well, if ever a city had an aura of incurable romance, Prizren is it. It is picturesque, charming and the promenade along the river at dusk is straight up something out of a fairy-tale.
Kosovo is a majority Muslim country but is a very secular society. Which I very much relate to on a personal level. While I am not religious, I definitely compartmentalize my life…My favourite saying that has been in my repertoire is “Church and State”…although I am usually referring to Business and Pleasure and not actually Church and State. HAHAHA.
Two things to know for sure about this country is that Coffee IS Culture and as a result of it being a Muslim society, there are so many lovely mosques that are very welcoming to anyone.
Hilltop Fortification
Каlаја e Prizrenit
Prizren is definitely one of the most picturesque places to visit in Kosovo, with its gorgeous Ottoman-influenced architecture.
From the top of the Fortress you will experience stunning views of the city…the landscape painted with red-tiled roofs, minarets, and the fairy-tale Bistrica River that runs through the city. Be warned, wear your walking shoes…it is a trek to the top and you will be breathing heavily.
The Albanian word “Kalaja” means Fortress or Castle. This Kalaja has seen habitation and use since the Bronze Age (ca. 2000) but Much of the modern fortress dates to the 18th century reconstruction phase and was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1948.
Steeped with Tradition
Ottoman Old Town
As you enter the main part of the old town, you cross over the river and you are engulphed is a textbook cobbled streets lined with trinket shops and craftsmen selling silver and gold filigree. Prizren has the largest number of preserved Ottoman buildings in the country.
We enjoyed a classic Balkan dinner at the end of the day of roaming the labyrinth streets…Finally end the day with a Turkish tea at dusk in one on the most undercover and indirect romantic cities in the Balkans.
Now you know!
Final Thoughts
Beware the accent…if someone asks you if you want to go to Prizren, say yes….They are not asking if you want to go to Prison. Very very different places. There is a reason why it is known as the most peaceful city in Kosovo.
Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion. There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.