Monuments of Kosovo comprise all the
monument
A monument is a type of structure that was explicitly created to commemorate a person or event, or which has become relevant to a social group as a part of their remembrance of historic times or cultural heritage, due to its artistic, his ...
s that are located in
Kosovo
Kosovo ( sq, Kosova or ; sr-Cyrl, Косово ), officially the Republic of Kosovo ( sq, Republika e Kosovës, links=no; sr, Република Косово, Republika Kosovo, links=no), is a partially recognised state in Southeast Euro ...
.
Kosovo has an abundance of multicultural and rich
heritage
Heritage may refer to:
History and society
* A heritage asset is a preexisting thing of value today
** Cultural heritage is created by humans
** Natural heritage is not
* Heritage language
Biology
* Heredity, biological inheritance of physical c ...
dating back to the
Bronze Age
The Bronze Age is a historic period, lasting approximately from 3300 BC to 1200 BC, characterized by the use of bronze, the presence of writing in some areas, and other early features of urban civilization. The Bronze Age is the second pri ...
, later followed by
Illyrians
The Illyrians ( grc, Ἰλλυριοί, ''Illyrioi''; la, Illyrii) were a group of Indo-European languages, Indo-European-speaking peoples who inhabited the western Balkan Peninsula in ancient times. They constituted one of the three main Paleo ...
,
Roman
Roman or Romans most often refers to:
*Rome, the capital city of Italy
*Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD
*Roman people, the people of ancient Rome
*''Epistle to the Romans'', shortened to ''Romans'', a letter ...
,
Byzantine
The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, was the continuation of the Roman Empire primarily in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, when its capital city was Constantinopl ...
/
Serbian Orthodox
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
The majority of the population in ...
and
Ottoman periods.
Most of the
monuments
A monument is a type of structure that was explicitly created to commemorate a person or event, or which has become relevant to a social group as a part of their remembrance of historic times or cultural heritage, due to its artistic, hist ...
in Kosovo were built by local
craftsmen's with local materials under conditions that were influenced by the empires that invaded Kosovo.
Monuments that still stand are those of the
Byzantine
The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, was the continuation of the Roman Empire primarily in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, when its capital city was Constantinopl ...
/
Serbian Orthodox
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
The majority of the population in ...
and
Ottoman periods, which have historical, cultural, architectural and artistic values for our priceless legacy. Among the antique cities, Byzantine and Orthodox churches and monasteries,
Ottoman Mosques
A mosque (; from ar, مَسْجِد, masjid, ; literally "place of ritual prostration"), also called masjid, is a place of prayer for Muslims. Mosques are usually covered buildings, but can be any place where prayers ( sujud) are performed, i ...
,
Hamams and
Bazaars thrived the building culture of the common people – the residential dwelling.
Kosovo's monuments are unique common property for which the
society
A society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same spatial or social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. Socie ...
is responsible to maintain them in order to transmit their authenticity to future generations.
The field of popular
architecture
Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing building ...
has value upon indigenous features that are considered to have one of the most original constructive structures in the whole
Balkan
The Balkans ( ), also known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throughout the who ...
.
Kosovo has a strategic geographical position, since through Kosovo's territory natural traffic lines and roads passed which had an importance for cultural movements,
heritage
Heritage may refer to:
History and society
* A heritage asset is a preexisting thing of value today
** Cultural heritage is created by humans
** Natural heritage is not
* Heritage language
Biology
* Heredity, biological inheritance of physical c ...
, historical, and art developments.
During the last war in 1998-1999, more than 500 monuments were systematically targeted by the
state forces, where more than 80% of them were destroyed, burnt or damaged.
In many of them, only the construction walls have remained.
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It ...
has classified Kosovo's
monuments
A monument is a type of structure that was explicitly created to commemorate a person or event, or which has become relevant to a social group as a part of their remembrance of historic times or cultural heritage, due to its artistic, hist ...
as
Serbo-Byzantine monuments,
Islamic monuments of the Ottoman Period and
Vernacular architecture
Vernacular architecture is building done outside any academic tradition, and without professional guidance. This category encompasses a wide range and variety of building types, with differing methods of construction, from around the world, bo ...
.
Mediaeval monuments
In the sixth century Justinian I, himself of
Dardanian origin, reasserted Byzantine control over Dardania after the Hunnish invasions and engaged in an extensive building/rebuilding programme in the region. From 839 to the early thirteenth century the region fell under Bulgarian control, with intermittent periods when the Byzantines were able to reassert their rule. From the early thirteenth century, until 1355, Kosovo was part of the Serbian Empire under the Nemanjić dynasty; and it was in this period that most existing mediaeval Christian buildings were built.
Monasteries
Gračanica monastery Gračanica () may refer to:
Places
Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Gračanica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a town and municipality in Tuzla
*Gračanica (Bugojno), a village in Central Bosnia
* Gračanica, Gacko, a village in Republika Srpska
* Gračanica, P ...
is a
Serbian Orthodox
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
The majority of the population in ...
monastery
A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or alone (hermits). A monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which ...
. It was founded by the
Serbian king
Stefan Milutin
Stefan Uroš II Milutin ( sr-cyr, Стефан Урош II Милутин, Stefan Uroš II Milutin; 1253 – 29 October 1321), known as Stefan Milutin ( sr-cyr, Стефан Милутин, Stefan Milutin), was the King of Serbia between 1282&nd ...
in 1321. It is located in
Gračanica Gračanica () may refer to:
Places
Bosnia and Herzegovina
*Gračanica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a town and municipality in Tuzla
*Gračanica (Bugojno), a village in Central Bosnia
*Gračanica, Gacko, a village in Republika Srpska
*Gračanica, Proz ...
and belongs to
Serbo-Byzantine style.
The monastery is known for its
iconostasis
In Eastern Christianity, an iconostasis ( gr, εἰκονοστάσιον) is a wall of icons and religious paintings, separating the nave from the sanctuary in a Church (building), church. ''Iconostasis'' also refers to a portable icon stand t ...
,
icons
An icon () is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, in the cultures of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic churches. They are not simply artworks; "an icon is a sacred image used in religious devotion". The most ...
and
manuscripts
A manuscript (abbreviated MS for singular and MSS for plural) was, traditionally, any document written by hand – or, once practical typewriters became available, typewritten – as opposed to mechanically printed or reproduced in ...
which express the wealthy and artistic values. It is declared a
Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance Immovable Cultural Heritage of Exceptional Importance ( sr, Непокретна културна добра од изузетног значаја/) are those objects of Immovable cultural heritage that enjoy the highest level of state protection ...
in 1947 by Republic of Serbia, under status number "СК 1367", while it is a protected monument by Republic of Kosovo also with the status number 427/1947.
On 13 July 2006 it was placed on
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It ...
's
World Heritage List
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNES ...
under the name of
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo as an extension of the
Visoki Dečani
The Visoki Dečani Monastery ( sr, Манастир Високи Дечани, Manastir Visoki Dečani, sq, Manastiri i Deçanit) is a medieval Serbian Orthodox Christian monastery located near Deçan, Kosovo. It was founded in the first half of ...
site which was overall placed on the
List of World Heritage in Danger
The List of World Heritage in Danger is compiled by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through the World Heritage Committee according to Article 11.4 of the World Heritage Convention,Full title: ''Conv ...
.
According to the archaeological excavations in 1957, 1963 and 1964, this monastery was constructed on the ruins of 13th-century church, which was also built on the foundations of a 6th- to 11th-century Christian three-naved basilica.
The Christian basilica, which was the center of the Dardanian Ulpiana Eparchy in the 13th century, was rebuilt as a new church above the middle nave foundations.
It was dedicated to Blessed Lady/Theotokos of Gračanica.
This church was also mentioned in Benedict the 11th Pope, in 1303, as a catholic parson church.
Only the church remains from the original monastery complex, which was intended as the seat of the
bishops of Lipljan.
Saint Archangels Monastery
The Monastery of the Holy Archangels ( sr, Манастир Светих Архангела, Manastir Svetih Arhangela; al, Manastiri i Arkangjelit të Shenjtë) is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in Prizren, Kosovo. The monastery was foun ...
is a
Serbian Orthodox
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
The majority of the population in ...
monastery
A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or alone (hermits). A monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which ...
, founded by the Serbian Emperor
Stefan Dušan
Stefan Uroš IV Dušan ( sr-Cyrl, Стефан Урош IV Душан, ), known as Dušan the Mighty ( sr, / ; circa 1308 – 20 December 1355), was the King of Serbia from 8 September 1331 and Tsar (or Emperor) and autocrat of the Serbs, Gr ...
between 1343 and 1352 on the site of an earlier church, and it is located near the Bistrica river in
Prizren
)
, settlement_type = Municipality and city
, image_skyline = Prizren Collage.jpg
, imagesize = 290px
, image_caption = View of Prizren
, image_alt = View of Prizren
, image_flag ...
. At the time when it was constructed, the building contained a monastery and two small churches.
A really important feature to be mentioned is that
Stephen Uroš IV Dušan of Serbia
Stephen or Steven is a common English first name. It is particularly significant to Christians, as it belonged to Saint Stephen ( grc-gre, Στέφανος ), an early disciple and deacon who, according to the Book of Acts, was stoned to death; ...
and
Balša I
Balša ( sr-Cyr, Балша) or Balsha ( sq, Balsha) 1362) was a provincial lord of the Zeta in ca. 1362. He is the eponymous founder of the Balšić noble family.
Life
He was a nobleman and military commander during the rule of Emperor Dušan ...
were buried in this monastery. It is declared a
Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance Immovable Cultural Heritage of Exceptional Importance ( sr, Непокретна културна добра од изузетног значаја/) are those objects of Immovable cultural heritage that enjoy the highest level of state protection ...
in 1948 by Republic of Serbia, under status number "СК 1366". Today it is a protected monument of Republic of Kosovo, under the status number "464/48".
It presents a very important archaeological site and photography is forbidden.
Monastery of Banjska is a
Serbian Orthodox
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
The majority of the population in ...
monastery
A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or alone (hermits). A monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which ...
, founded by the Serbian king
Stefan Uroš II Milutin between 1313 and 1317. It is located in the
Banjska village in municipality of
Mitrovica. The medieval monastery was built on the foundations of an earlier sacral Paleo-Christian church, used by Albanian Christians.
The western influences are evident on the remains of architecture and sculpture.
The church design was influenced by
Adriatic coast
The Adriatic Sea () is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula. The Adriatic is the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, extending from the Strait of Otranto (where it connects to the Ionian Sea) to the ...
Romanesque architecture
Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of medieval Europe characterized by semi-circular arches. There is no consensus for the beginning date of the Romanesque style, with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 11th century, this lat ...
. In 1948, while Kosovo was in Yugoslavia, the monastery was declared a
Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance Immovable Cultural Heritage of Exceptional Importance ( sr, Непокретна културна добра од изузетног значаја/) are those objects of Immovable cultural heritage that enjoy the highest level of state protection ...
under status number "СК 1371". It is also a protected monument with the status number "0301-551/90" by the Republic of Kosovo.
Patriarchate of Peć Patriarchate of Peć may refer to:
* Patriarchate of Peć (monastery), Eastern Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church, near the city of Peć
* Serbian Patriarchate of Peć
The Serbian Patriarchate of Peć ( sr, Српс ...
is a
Serbian Orthodox
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
The majority of the population in ...
monastery located in the municipality of Peć with some buildings thought to originate in the 13th century, near Rugova valley and is one of the most outstanding complexes from
Medieval period
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire a ...
.
It consists of Saint Apostles Church (13th century), Saint Demetry and Saint Nicolas Church (14th century) which all have the same
narthex
The narthex is an architectural element typical of early Christian and Byzantine basilicas and churches consisting of the entrance or lobby area, located at the west end of the nave, opposite the church's main altar. Traditionally the narthex ...
and monumental narrative style.
In the 13th century, the Serbian Orthodox Church adapted, reconstructed, and transformed the church of Saint Apostles in Peć for their needs.
This church had a stone-masonry roman style (processed and dressed stones) with opening massive walls and small windows that represent the core of the complex of the Patriarchate of Peć.
In 1990, the Patriarchate of Peć was added to
Serbia
Serbia (, ; Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), officially the Republic of Serbia (Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe, Southeastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian Bas ...
's "
Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance Immovable Cultural Heritage of Exceptional Importance ( sr, Непокретна културна добра од изузетног значаја/) are those objects of Immovable cultural heritage that enjoy the highest level of state protection ...
" list, and on 13 July 2006 it was placed on
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It ...
's
World Heritage List
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNES ...
as an extension of the
Visoki Dečani
The Visoki Dečani Monastery ( sr, Манастир Високи Дечани, Manastir Visoki Dečani, sq, Manastiri i Deçanit) is a medieval Serbian Orthodox Christian monastery located near Deçan, Kosovo. It was founded in the first half of ...
site which was overall placed on the
List of World Heritage in Danger
The List of World Heritage in Danger is compiled by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through the World Heritage Committee according to Article 11.4 of the World Heritage Convention,Full title: ''Conv ...
.
Visoki Dečani
The Visoki Dečani Monastery ( sr, Манастир Високи Дечани, Manastir Visoki Dečani, sq, Manastiri i Deçanit) is a medieval Serbian Orthodox Christian monastery located near Deçan, Kosovo. It was founded in the first half of ...
is a
Serbian Orthodox
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
The majority of the population in ...
monastery
A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or alone (hermits). A monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which ...
located near
Dečani. It was founded in 14th century by
Stefan Dečanski
Stefan Uroš III ( sr-Cyrl, Стефан Урош III, ), known as Stefan Dečanski ( sr-Cyrl, Стефан Дечански, ; 1276 – 11 November 1331), was the King of Serbia from 6 January 1322 to 8 September 1331. Dečanski was the son of ...
,
King of Serbia
This is an archontological list of Serbian monarchs, containing monarchs of the medieval principalities, to heads of state of modern Serbia.
The Serbian monarchy dates back to the Early Middle Ages. The Serbian royal titles used include Knya ...
. The monastery's main architect was Fra Vita, a
Franciscan
The Franciscans are a group of related Mendicant orders, mendicant Christianity, Christian Catholic religious order, religious orders within the Catholic Church. Founded in 1209 by Italian Catholic friar Francis of Assisi, these orders include t ...
friar from the Montenegrin coastal town of
Kotor
Kotor (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Котор, ), historically known as Cattaro (from Italian: ), is a coastal town in Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor. The city has a population of 13,510 and is the administrative c ...
. It is managed by the Serbian Orthodox
Eparchy of Raška and Prizren
Eparchy of Raška and Prizren, al, Eparkia Rashkë - Prizren. Also known as the Eparchy of Raška-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija ( sr, / ; sq, Eparkia Rashkë - Prizren). is one of the oldest eparchies of the Serbian Orthodox Church, featuring t ...
. The monastery has been under the legal protection of Serbia since 1947 with a designation of ''
Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance Immovable Cultural Heritage of Exceptional Importance ( sr, Непокретна културна добра од изузетног значаја/) are those objects of Immovable Cultural Heritage of Serbia, cultural heritage that enjoy the highes ...
''. The monastery is part of the World Heritage site named "
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo".
Churches
Our Lady of Ljeviš is a 14th-century
Serbian Orthodox Church
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian denomination, Christian churches.
The majori ...
in the town of
Prizren
)
, settlement_type = Municipality and city
, image_skyline = Prizren Collage.jpg
, imagesize = 290px
, image_caption = View of Prizren
, image_alt = View of Prizren
, image_flag ...
, and its one of the oldest standing structures in Prizren.
The construction of the church was commissioned in 1306-9 by
Milutin of Serbia.
It was built on the site of an earlier
Byzantine
The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, was the continuation of the Roman Empire primarily in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, when its capital city was Constantinopl ...
church, whose original name ''Metera Eleousa'' was preserved in Slavic as ''Bogorodica Ljeviška''.
During the
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire, * ; is an archaic version. The definite article forms and were synonymous * and el, Оθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία, Othōmanikē Avtokratoria, label=none * info page on book at Martin Luther University) ...
, the church was converted to a mosque.
Since 2006, the church is part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for h ...
named
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo.
Church of Saint George is a small one
aisle
An aisle is, in general, a space for walking with rows of non-walking spaces on both sides. Aisles with seating on both sides can be seen in airplanes, certain types of buildings, such as churches, cathedrals, synagogues, meeting halls, parl ...
d church with barrel vault which is located at the center of
Prizren
)
, settlement_type = Municipality and city
, image_skyline = Prizren Collage.jpg
, imagesize = 290px
, image_caption = View of Prizren
, image_alt = View of Prizren
, image_flag ...
.
It was constructed in the 14th to 16th centuries.
It belongs to the late
Byzantine style
Byzantine architecture is the architecture of the Byzantine Empire, or Eastern Roman Empire.
The Byzantine era is usually dated from 330 AD, when Constantine the Great moved the Roman capital to Byzantium, which became Constantinople, until the ...
and has rich wall paintings.
It has very important historic and artistic values. It is protected by the law.
Church of St. Nicholas was constructed at the beginning of the 1340s in
Prizren
)
, settlement_type = Municipality and city
, image_skyline = Prizren Collage.jpg
, imagesize = 290px
, image_caption = View of Prizren
, image_alt = View of Prizren
, image_flag ...
. The building has small dimensions, yet very coordinated proportions and belongs to a local style of building.
There are evident transformations of the building among the past few years and it has important historic and artistic values.
St. Peter's Basilica Church is located in the mining colony of
Stari Trg near the
Trepča Mines
The Trepča Mines ( al, Miniera e Trepçës, sr, Рудник Трепча / ''Rudnik Trepča'') is a large industrial complex in Kosovo, located northeast of Mitrovica. The mine is located on the southern slopes of the Kopaonik mountain, bet ...
, 9 km from Kosovska Mitrovica. During the 14th century Stari Trg was a settlement of the Turkish colony, therefore it is referred as the ‘Turkish Trepča’.
The church was built during the 13th century and was used till the 16th century.
It was built for the Saxon miners and Catholic merchant traders in the city of
Trepča.
Therefore, it is known as the
Latin
Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through the power of the ...
,
Catholic
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
and
Saxon
The Saxons ( la, Saxones, german: Sachsen, ang, Seaxan, osx, Sahson, nds, Sassen, nl, Saksen) were a group of Germanic
*
*
*
*
peoples whose name was given in the early Middle Ages to a large country (Old Saxony, la, Saxonia) near the Nor ...
Church
Church may refer to:
Religion
* Church (building), a building for Christian religious activities
* Church (congregation), a local congregation of a Christian denomination
* Church service, a formalized period of Christian communal worship
* C ...
.
The church was a three nave basilica built in
Gothic architectural style and construction techniques.
Today only its foundations and a single wall of the eastern apse have remained on which can be seen the interior Byzantine murals.
It is a public property and has been protected since 1958 with the status number 8/58.
155
Serbian Orthodox
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
The majority of the population in ...
churches and monasteries were destroyed by Kosovo Albanians according to the
International Center for Transitional Justice
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) was founded in 2001 as a non-profit organization dedicated to pursuing accountability for mass atrocity and human rights abuse through transitional justice mechanisms.
ICTJ officially ope ...
,between June 1999 and March 2004.
The
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo, founded by the
Nemanjić dynasty
The House of Nemanjić ( sr-Cyrl, Немањић, Немањићи; Nemanjić, Nemanjići, ) was the most prominent dynasty of Serbia in the Middle Ages. This princely, royal, and later imperial house produced twelve Serbian monarchs, who rul ...
, is a combined
World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for h ...
consisting of four
Serbian Orthodox Christian
The Serbian Orthodox Church ( sr-Cyrl, Српска православна црква, Srpska pravoslavna crkva) is one of the autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
The majority of the population in ...
churches and
monasteries
A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or alone (hermits). A monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which ...
. In 2006, the property was inscribed on the
List of World Heritage in Danger
The List of World Heritage in Danger is compiled by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through the World Heritage Committee according to Article 11.4 of the World Heritage Convention,Full title: ''Conv ...
.
Mosques
Mosques
The Pirinaz Mosque was constructed in the second half of the 16th century. It was founded by the
Ottoman Vizier
A vizier (; ar, وزير, wazīr; fa, وزیر, vazīr), or wazir, is a high-ranking political advisor or minister in the near east. The Abbasid caliphs gave the title ''wazir'' to a minister formerly called ''katib'' (secretary), who was a ...
,
Piri Nazir.
According to the legend, it is believed that “Stone of Lazar”, which is in the mosque's garden, was used to behead
Prince Lazar
Lazar Hrebeljanović ( sr-cyr, Лазар Хребељановић; ca. 1329 – 15 June 1389) was a medieval List of Serbian monarchs, Serbian ruler who created the largest and most powerful state on the territory of the disintegrated Serbia ...
during the
Battle of Kosovo
The Battle of Kosovo ( tr, Kosova Savaşı; sr, Косовска битка) took place on 15 June 1389 between an army led by the Serbian Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović and an invading army of the Ottoman Empire under the command of Sultan ...
in 1389, who was buried in the same mosque with the Sultan's permission before being moved to
Ravanica Monastery
The Ravanica Monastery ( sr, / ) is a Serbian Orthodox monastery on Kučaj mountains near Senje, a village in Ćuprija municipality in Central Serbia. It was built in 1375–1377 as an endowment of prince Lazar of Serbia, who is buried ...
in
Serbia
Serbia (, ; Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), officially the Republic of Serbia (Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe, Southeastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian Bas ...
.
Fatih Mosque
The large Fatih Mosque ( tr, Fatih Camii, "Conqueror's Mosque" in English) is an Ottoman mosque off Fevzi Paşa Caddesi in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. The original mosque was constructed between 1463 and 1470 on the site of the Ch ...
(Also known as The Big Mosque) is located in the oldest part of
Pristina
Pristina, ; sr, / (, ) is the capital and largest city of Kosovo. The city's municipal boundaries in Pristina District form the largest urban center in Kosovo. After Tirana, Pristina has the second largest population of ethnic Albanians and ...
, next to Sahat kulla (The clock tower).
It was built in 1461 by
Mehmet II Fatih as witnessed by the
Arabic
Arabic (, ' ; , ' or ) is a Semitic languages, Semitic language spoken primarily across the Arab world.Semitic languages: an international handbook / edited by Stefan Weninger; in collaboration with Geoffrey Khan, Michael P. Streck, Janet C ...
engraving above the main door. It has a triangle shaped yard and painted floral decorations and
arabesques
The arabesque is a form of artistic decoration consisting of "surface decorations based on rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage, tendrils" or plain lines, often combined with other elements. Another definition is "Foli ...
grace the walls and ceiling on the inside.
Sinan Pasha Mosque is located in Nenkalaja, on the right side of Bistrica river. It was constructed in the beginning of the 17th century.
Its enormous
dome
A dome () is an architectural element similar to the hollow upper half of a sphere. There is significant overlap with the term cupola, which may also refer to a dome or a structure on top of a dome. The precise definition of a dome has been a m ...
is fitted harmoniously into the square mass of the building whereas its
interior is painted in strong light colors, decorated with
geometrical designs.
It is considered to be one of the most important mosques in
Kosovo
Kosovo ( sq, Kosova or ; sr-Cyrl, Косово ), officially the Republic of Kosovo ( sq, Republika e Kosovës, links=no; sr, Република Косово, Republika Kosovo, links=no), is a partially recognised state in Southeast Euro ...
.
Hadumi's Mosque was constructed by Hadum Sylejman Efendi, in the second part of the 16th century.
It belongs to classical Ottoman era, but yet it has many traditional features involved in its structure. This mosque has only one dome and its interior contains many floral paintings. It is one of the best examples of the arabesques/
baroque
The Baroque (, ; ) is a style of architecture, music, dance, painting, sculpture, poetry, and other arts that flourished in Europe from the early 17th century until the 1750s. In the territories of the Spanish and Portuguese empires including t ...
style buildings.
This mosque offers warmth to the city and it is considered to be the most important mosque in Gjakova.
One special thing about this mosque is that the dome stands above the constructive elements trompe, a particular example for Islamic architecture.
Mosque of Gazi
Ali Bey was built in 1444. During the last war in 1999, its
inaretwas destroyed by a
Yugoslav grenade.
In 2002 the mosque was restored and the minaret was rebuilt, unfortunately not corresponding to the original one. Besides this, authenticity of the mosque and its surrounding was damaged by removal of the carrel near the entrance and some grave-stones from the yard.
It is a protected monument by law with a status number 02-985/66.
Mosque of Çarshia/Bazar was built in 1761 during the Ottoman invasion. Based on the old pictures, it used to be a quadrilateral building covered with a four-sided roof.
The upper floor was reached by the one-sided stairs placed on the left and on the right of the entrance. The gallery used for females. The mosque was burnt down by the Yugoslav military in 1999. It was reconstructed after the war.
Bajrakli Mosque is located in the oldest part of Peć, at the old market area more specifically. It was built during the Ottoman period when Peć was included in Metohija Sanjak.
The mosque's paintings and decorations are mainly realized by using stone. Bajrakli Mosque has important historic and artistic values.
Llap's Mosque is positioned near Podujevo's highway, far away from Pristina's city centre. It dates from the 15th century.
Its prayer room is six meters high and it also consists of a hall. In 1999 it was destroyed by Yugoslav forces after the war. A unique example in Kosovo architecture and wider.
Kurshumli Mosque is a sacral building constructed in the 16th century in Peć. Its original construction was covered with
dome
A dome () is an architectural element similar to the hollow upper half of a sphere. There is significant overlap with the term cupola, which may also refer to a dome or a structure on top of a dome. The precise definition of a dome has been a m ...
, but during the time it had some changed to the covering.
The hajat also is not in original shape. Before being destroyed by fire, the mosque had four watery roof. Nowadays it has only its remains. Very important graves and traces are found in its yard.
Red Mosque is a sacral building constructed in the 17th century in Kapeshnica of Peć.
It consists of a praying space,
portico
A portico is a porch leading to the entrance of a building, or extended as a colonnade, with a roof structure over a walkway, supported by columns or enclosed by walls. This idea was widely used in ancient Greece and has influenced many cult ...
and
minaret
A minaret (; ar, منارة, translit=manāra, or ar, مِئْذَنة, translit=miʾḏana, links=no; tr, minare; fa, گلدسته, translit=goldaste) is a type of tower typically built into or adjacent to mosques. Minarets are generall ...
. The mosque is special because Mihrab appears from the wall, but of course very modest in feature. It has historic and artistic values.
Hamams
Grand Hamam dates in the 15th century. It used to be a part of Fatih's Mosque and was used as a
Turkish bath
A hammam ( ar, حمّام, translit=ḥammām, tr, hamam) or Turkish bath is a type of steam bath or a place of public bathing associated with the Islamic world. It is a prominent feature in the culture of the Muslim world and was inherited ...
for both men and women.
According to the legend,
Sulltan Mehmet Fatih ordered every servant to take a bath at least once per day.
Now it is protected by the state. After a fire in 1994, the bath was deeply damaged and nowadays it has only its remains.
Hamam of Mehmet Pasha is one of the most distinguished from other baths of time due to the clock tower. It was built on a stone structure in 1498.
It is inoperative so it turned into an Archaeological Museum of
Prizren
)
, settlement_type = Municipality and city
, image_skyline = Prizren Collage.jpg
, imagesize = 290px
, image_caption = View of Prizren
, image_alt = View of Prizren
, image_flag ...
. Circa 1972-75
hamam was restored and then returned to the museum. With its transformation into a museum, opened the wall which divided the males and females.
The old city Hamam was built by the Turkish donator Gazi Ali Bey, who also built the hamam in Vučitrn (''Vushtrri'' in Albanian), at 17th century.
Hamam is located in the core of the old city center of Kosovska Mitrovica, among other important monuments as the Old Mosque, Madrasah, Old Bazar, Han and the Clock Tower.
It was used for its original function as a public bath for men only till 1953. It is protected monument by law since 1958 with the status number 685/57.
Since 1959, hamam has been used as the “Archeological and Ethnographic Museum” of Kosovska Mitrovica where local clothes, metallic vessels and other tools are exhibited.
The hamam is composed by the interconnected three characteristic sections of the hot, warm and cold water.
The cold section has a rectangular shape in the middle of which is placed a hexagonal marble fountain, while is paved with white marble square slabs.
After the entrance hall is the warm section, used for undressing and preparing for the cleansing ritual in the hot section. This space contains 4 bathing cubicles (halvet) and 4 side alcoves. Walls of the hot section are built by stone and are 85 cm thick. Its nine domes (eight small and the big central one) are covered with tiles and lead iron sheets.
Hammam of Gazi Ali Bey is a protected monument with its status number 02-628/68.
It was built by
Gazi Ali Bey during the 15th and 17th centuries for the cleansing rituals of men.
It is one of the oldest public baths in
Balkans
The Balkans ( ), also known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throughout the who ...
. It still has its original constructed frame. Its
facades have been built by cut stones, while the other parts by the rustic stones.
The main brick dome was covered with by a hexagonal wooden roof, which today has been replaced with red tiles. It has circle-shaped small holes that were used for
insolation
Solar irradiance is the power per unit area (surface power density) received from the Sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of the measuring instrument.
Solar irradiance is measured in watts per square metre (W/m ...
.
They used to resemble stars in the sky. The other three domes are smaller. Hamam is composed of the three common sections as the entrance central hall, the undressing section and the cleansing section with two bathing cubicles (halvet) in front of each other.
Nowadays, the hamam has been neglected and therefore damaged.
Hammam of Haxhi Beu was built over the years 1462 - 1485 as part of a complex of Hasan Bey, who was the leader of the Sanjak of İpek.
Its original function stands still. It was originally built in the style of alternating stone and brick as hammam of men, but later it was decided to be added to section on women.
Nowadays it is used as workshops of carpenters. It is a very important millenarian building for Kosova and wider.
Mausoleums
The
Tomb of Sultan Murat is a
mausoleum
A mausoleum is an external free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person or people. A mausoleum without the person's remains is called a cenotaph. A mausoleum may be consid ...
that presents the elements of Islam-kosovar
baroque
The Baroque (, ; ) is a style of architecture, music, dance, painting, sculpture, poetry, and other arts that flourished in Europe from the early 17th century until the 1750s. In the territories of the Spanish and Portuguese empires including t ...
.
It is located in Mazgit, the exact place where
Sulltan Murati was murdered. The shape that the building has today was completed in the end of the 19th century.
Gazi Mehmet Pasha's Mausoleum is founded in
Prizren
)
, settlement_type = Municipality and city
, image_skyline = Prizren Collage.jpg
, imagesize = 290px
, image_caption = View of Prizren
, image_alt = View of Prizren
, image_flag ...
. It is in Bajrakli mosque's front yard.
Haxhi Baba's Masouleum is a
mausoleum
A mausoleum is an external free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person or people. A mausoleum without the person's remains is called a cenotaph. A mausoleum may be consid ...
that dates from the 17th century.
It is located next to the city's tekke and Sejdi Bej's mosque, next to the city's fountain. The name of the mausoleum comes because Haxhi Baba was buried in that place.
Sheh Besim's Masouleum is located in Lukinaj, Prizren. It was founded by Sheh Beqa in order to save the
cemeteries
A cemetery, burial ground, gravesite or graveyard is a place where the remains of dead people are buried or otherwise interred. The word ''cemetery'' (from Greek , "sleeping place") implies that the land is specifically designated as a buri ...
of important personalities of the time.
The mausoleum's holiday is 04-5 May. On those days, many people gather for tradition and religious reasons.
Tekkes
Tekke of Sheh Emini is located next to the
Gjakova
Gjakova, ) and Đakovica ( sr-Cyrl, Ђаковица, ) is the seventh largest city of Kosovo and seat of Gjakova Municipality and Gjakova District. The city has 40,827 inhabitants, while the municipality has 94,556 inhabitants.
Geographicall ...
city museum. This
Tekke belongs to the sect of
Dervish
Dervish, Darvesh, or Darwīsh (from fa, درویش, ''Darvīsh'') in Islam can refer broadly to members of a Sufi fraternity
A fraternity (from Latin language, Latin ''wiktionary:frater, frater'': "brother (Christian), brother"; whence, ...
Rafai.
During psychological trance moments, they perform a body piercing
ritual
A ritual is a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, actions, or objects, performed according to a set sequence. Rituals may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community. Rituals are characterized, b ...
, focusing on their faces. This ritual is painless and no bleeding occurs. This sect celebrates its own holiday on 21 March, which is open to everyone.
The
tekke stands out as very important for the architectural values as it presents rare samples of sacral architecture, useful for the analyse of this type of monuments.
Vernacular architecture
Vernacular architecture
Vernacular architecture is building done outside any academic tradition, and without professional guidance. This category encompasses a wide range and variety of building types, with differing methods of construction, from around the world, bo ...
is part of the wealthy material culture and is unrepeatable historical and cultural evidence, on its highest grade of genuineness.
It includes profane public buildings and traditional residential houses built by locals during different periods.
The public buildings consist the
castles
A castle is a type of fortified structure built during the Middle Ages predominantly by the nobility or royalty and by military orders. Scholars debate the scope of the word ''castle'', but usually consider it to be the private fortified ...
,
bridge
A bridge is a structure built to span a physical obstacle (such as a body of water, valley, road, or rail) without blocking the way underneath. It is constructed for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle, which is usually somethi ...
s,
clock towers
Clock towers are a specific type of structure which house a turret clock and have one or more clock faces on the upper exterior walls. Many clock towers are freestanding structures but they can also adjoin or be located on top of another buildi ...
,
fountain
A fountain, from the Latin "fons" (genitive "fontis"), meaning source or Spring (hydrology), spring, is a decorative reservoir used for discharging water. It is also a structure that jets water into the air for a decorative or dramatic effect. ...
s, old
Bazaars etc. while the residential buildings consist the urban and rural houses.
Unfortunately, much of this outstanding
cultural heritage
Cultural heritage is the heritage of tangible and intangible heritage assets of a group or society that is inherited from past generations. Not all heritages of past generations are "heritage"; rather, heritage is a product of selection by soci ...
of Kosovo was destroyed during the war in 1999.
Traditional houses are exclusively built by Albanians for Albanians, by the local workmen according to traditional techniques. These houses resemble characteristics of the Albanians, their way of life, the function of the family and their hospitality.
Inspired by the Ottomans, local ‘citizen’ dwellings were adapted to the local needs and elaborated into traditional styles, thus finally achieving their uniqueness in the whole
Balkans
The Balkans ( ), also known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throughout the who ...
.
Among the residential houses, the most distinctive were ''
Kullas''.
The word ''Kulla'' from Albanian, ''Kule'' from Turkish, and ''kуле'' from Serbian, in English means
Tower
A tower is a tall Nonbuilding structure, structure, taller than it is wide, often by a significant factor. Towers are distinguished from guyed mast, masts by their lack of guy-wires and are therefore, along with tall buildings, self-supporting ...
. They were built in the whole territory of Kosovo, but the most distinct ones were built in villages and towns of Dukagjini/Metohija region.
These fortified stone houses were built by at the end of 17th and continued to the 18th, 19th and even in the early 20th century. ''Kullas'' purpose was for protection, considering the constant fighting.
Therefore, they were placed in strategic position within the yard, thus offering a full sight of the surrounding environment.
''Kullas'' are special because of their form, construction, yard entrance, stone gallery, shoot holes, men room, window openings and ceiling.
They were constructed from prehistoric
antiquity that is characterized with special architectural structure not only in the
Balkan
The Balkans ( ), also known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throughout the who ...
cultural area, but also in Europe.
Public buildings
Castles and forts
Prizren Fortress
Prizren Fortress ( sq, Каlаја e Prizrenit; sr, Призренски град, ''Prizrenski grad'') is a hilltop fortification in Prizren in Kosovo. It overlooks the Prizren River which flows through Prizren, which developed around the fortr ...
, also known as Kaljaja and
Dušan's Fortress, is located in the ancient town of
Prizren
)
, settlement_type = Municipality and city
, image_skyline = Prizren Collage.jpg
, imagesize = 290px
, image_caption = View of Prizren
, image_alt = View of Prizren
, image_flag ...
. It is a castle which dates in the ancient times and
continuously was used during the Ilyrian era,
Roman
Roman or Romans most often refers to:
*Rome, the capital city of Italy
*Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD
*Roman people, the people of ancient Rome
*''Epistle to the Romans'', shortened to ''Romans'', a letter ...
,
Byzantine
The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, was the continuation of the Roman Empire primarily in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, when its capital city was Constantinopl ...
,
Serbian Empire
The Serbian Empire ( sr, / , ) was a medieval Serbian state that emerged from the Kingdom of Serbia. It was established in 1346 by Dušan the Mighty, who significantly expanded the state.
Under Dušan's rule, Serbia was the major power in the ...
and
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire, * ; is an archaic version. The definite article forms and were synonymous * and el, Оθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία, Othōmanikē Avtokratoria, label=none * info page on book at Martin Luther University) ...
.
Prizren Castle is an important part of the ancient history of the city.
The fortress was expanded by Emperor
Stefan Dušan
Stefan Uroš IV Dušan ( sr-Cyrl, Стефан Урош IV Душан, ), known as Dušan the Mighty ( sr, / ; circa 1308 – 20 December 1355), was the King of Serbia from 8 September 1331 and Tsar (or Emperor) and autocrat of the Serbs, Gr ...
, who used Prizren as capital of the
Serbian Empire
The Serbian Empire ( sr, / , ) was a medieval Serbian state that emerged from the Kingdom of Serbia. It was established in 1346 by Dušan the Mighty, who significantly expanded the state.
Under Dušan's rule, Serbia was the major power in the ...
. Its topographic position, dominating the city, the natural landscape and well thought architectural configuration are the main reasons that this castle is considered to be one of the most important, interesting and visited historical monuments in Kosovo.
Today this fortress keeps all the embrasures and many other buildings inside.
Kaljaja was declared
Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance Immovable Cultural Heritage of Exceptional Importance ( sr, Непокретна културна добра од изузетног значаја/) are those objects of Immovable cultural heritage that enjoy the highest level of state protection ...
in 1948.
Nenkalaja of Prizren also known as "Podkalaja" is located on a hilly area by the city's river.
It is constructed in a unique urban structure, narrow winding lands has a perfect glance of the town.
It represents two different features of the town: one of strongest pains and one of the richest potentials.
Vojinovića Tower is located in the historic old core of
Vučitrn
Vushtrri ( sq-definite, Vushtrria) or Vučitrn ( sr-Cyrl, Вучитрн), is a city and municipality located in the Mitrovica District in northern Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, the town of Vushtrri has 26,964 inhabitants, while the m ...
. It was the seat of despot
Đurađ Branković
Đurađ Branković (; sr-cyr, Ђурађ Бранковић; hu, Brankovics György; 1377 – 24 December 1456) was the Serbian Despot from 1427 to 1456. He was one of the last Serbian medieval rulers. He was a participant in the battle of Anka ...
(1427–1456). Later chroniclers (
Ami Boué
Ami Boué (16 March 179421 November 1881) was a geologist of French Huguenot origin. Born at Hamburg he trained in Edinburgh and across Europe. He travelled across Europe, studying geology, as well as ethnology, and is considered to be among th ...
, Aleksandar Giljferding) are noted that the fort itself is derived from the times of
Dušan
Dušan ( sr-Cyrl, Душан) is a Slavic given name primarily used in countries of Yugoslavia; and among Slovaks and Czechs. The name is derived from the Slavic noun ''duša'' "soul".
Occurrence
In Serbia, it was the 29th most popular nam ...
, and that ''it is an old fortress with a tower in the middle of the town''. Its exact time of built is not known. However, according to Albanian historians the castle derives from the early Illyrian-Dardanian period, long before the Roman Empire.
This is supported by two pyramid-shaped twin stones on the southern wall, which according to the legend represent the two-headed eagle and the union of Illyrian-Arber princes. Other historians suggested that the castle was built by the Byzantine emperor
Justinian the 1st in the 7th century.
The old Byzantine foundations, above which the castle was rebuilt, were discovered in 1981 during the castle restoration.
The castle was also destroyed and rebuilt during the Middle Ages.
During the 14th century it belonged to the Serbian landlords
Vojinović, and later to the
Branković family.
In 1389 during the Ottoman invasion it was destroyed and rebuilt by
Sultan Murad the 1st.
Even though rebuilt several times, the castle has survived until today and its structure has mainly remained unchanged. During its existence, the castle has been used mostly for military purposes as a prison, court and arms depot.
From the 16th to 18th century it was an important trading administrative center.
During 1935 to 1962 it had different functions as a corn deposit, volleyball field, summer cinema, restaurant and ball.
Since 1962 it has not been used.
The Old Castle is unique about its location in the city center of Vushtrri/Vučitrn, comparing to other fortified castles in the hills and mountains.
It has important historic, architectural and archaeological values while surviving different historic periods.
In its structure can be noted different layers of building materials, construction and techniques.
This archaeological site has a statutory protection and is declared a protected cultural heritage property. Its status number is 858/49.
![Artana-Novo Bërda Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Artana-Novo_B%C3%ABrda_Castle.jpg)
Pogragja castle is located in, Pogragje, a village in the south-east of Gnjilane.
The fortress nowadays has only the remains of the main tower and three other smaller ones.
The towers date from the medieval period, but it based on some fragments found, it they are known to be from the ancient time.
It is considered to be a very important archaeological site.
Novo Brdo Fortress
Novo Brdo Fortress ( sr, Тврђава Ново Брдо / ''Tvrđava Novo Brdo''; sq, Kalaja e Novobërdës or ''Kalaja e Artanës'') is a medieval Serbian fortress in Kosovo. Its ruins are located near the town of Novo Brdo, about east of P ...
is a medieval Serbian fortress. Its ruins are located near the town of
Novo Brdo
Novo Brdo ( sr-Cyrl, Ново Брдо), or Novobërda and Artana ( sq-definite, Novobërdë or ''Artanë''), is a municipality located in the Pristina district of Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, it has a population of 6,729 inhabitants. T ...
, about from
Pristina
Pristina, ; sr, / (, ) is the capital and largest city of Kosovo. The city's municipal boundaries in Pristina District form the largest urban center in Kosovo. After Tirana, Pristina has the second largest population of ethnic Albanians and ...
. The fortress was built in the early 14th century by
Stefan Milutin
Stefan Uroš II Milutin ( sr-cyr, Стефан Урош II Милутин, Stefan Uroš II Milutin; 1253 – 29 October 1321), known as Stefan Milutin ( sr-cyr, Стефан Милутин, Stefan Milutin), was the King of Serbia between 1282&nd ...
,
King of Serbia
This is an archontological list of Serbian monarchs, containing monarchs of the medieval principalities, to heads of state of modern Serbia.
The Serbian monarchy dates back to the Early Middle Ages. The Serbian royal titles used include Knya ...
to protect gold, silver, iron and lead mines which were abundant throughout the area. For its fortress and production of silver and gold, Novo Brdo has been referred to as the "''Mother of all Serbian cities''",
a "''mountain of gold and silver''", and the "''strongest fortification of Serbia''".
Prilepac was a medieval
fortress
A fortification is a military construction or building designed for the defense of territories in warfare, and is also used to establish rule in a region during peacetime. The term is derived from Latin ''fortis'' ("strong") and ''facere'' ...
near
Novo Brdo
Novo Brdo ( sr-Cyrl, Ново Брдо), or Novobërda and Artana ( sq-definite, Novobërdë or ''Artanë''), is a municipality located in the Pristina district of Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, it has a population of 6,729 inhabitants. T ...
. It is most famous as the birthplace of
Lazar of Serbia
Lazar Hrebeljanović ( sr-cyr, Лазар Хребељановић; ca. 1329 – 15 June 1389) was a medieval Serbian ruler who created the largest and most powerful state on the territory of the disintegrated Serbian Empire. Lazar's state, ...
and his family.
Zvečan/Zveçan medieval fortress is an enormous
castle
A castle is a type of fortified structure built during the Middle Ages predominantly by the nobility or royalty and by military orders. Scholars debate the scope of the word ''castle'', but usually consider it to be the private fortified r ...
and one of the oldest fortresses in South Eastern Europe.
Zvečan Fortress
/ref> It was built on the top of the extinct volcano vent, overlooking the Ibar river
The Ibar ( sr-cyrl, Ибар, ), also known as the Ibër and Ibri ( sq, Ibër, Ibri), is a river that flows through eastern Montenegro, northern Kosovo and central Serbia, with a total length of . The river begins in the Hajla mountain, in Roža ...
. The underlying construction dates from the period of classical antiquity
Classical antiquity (also the classical era, classical period or classical age) is the period of cultural history between the 8th century BC and the 5th century AD centred on the Mediterranean Sea, comprising the interlocking civilizations of ...
, and it is not unlikely that the location was fortified in prehistoric times
Prehistory, also known as pre-literary history, is the period of human history between the use of the first stone tools by hominins 3.3 million years ago and the beginning of recorded history with the invention of writing systems. The use of ...
. As a border fort of the Raška state, the site gained importance in 1093, when the Serbia
Serbia (, ; Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), officially the Republic of Serbia (Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe, Southeastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian Bas ...
n ruler Vukan Vukanović, launched his conquest of Kosovo (then part of the Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, was the continuation of the Roman Empire primarily in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, when its capital city was Constantinopl ...
) from there. Fortress was declared Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance Immovable Cultural Heritage of Exceptional Importance ( sr, Непокретна културна добра од изузетног значаја/) are those objects of Immovable cultural heritage that enjoy the highest level of state protection ...
in 1990, and it is protected by the Republic of Serbia
Serbia (, ; Serbian: , , ), officially the Republic of Serbia ( Serbian: , , ), is a landlocked country in Southeastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian Basin and the Balkans. It shares land borders with Hung ...
though lying within Kosovo.
Old bazaars
Grand Bazaar of Çarshia (Gjakova) was the source of social, cultural, economic development. It helped the development of all types of craftsmanship. Since 1955, it represents one of the largest urban monumental ensembles not only in Kosovo, but also abroad. This center was burnt therefore extremely damaged by the Yugoslav forces during the 1999 war, but it got later reconstructed. Nowadays it has many stores where you can buy different types of ancient handicrafts, such as souvenirs, traditional clothes and even contemporary items.
Bridges
Old Stone Bridge of Prizren was constructed in the beginning of 16th century above the Bistrica river. This is the most well-known bridge not just in Prizren, but also in the whole region. Bistrica divides the city in two parts and is an important attraction point for tourists. It consists of three arches. In the beginning of its construction it used to be 30 m, but today it is only 17 m long. In 1979, because of a flood in the city, the bridge fell apart completely, but it was reconstructed in 1982.
Terzijski Bridge
Terzijski Bridge or Terzi Bridge (, , , ), also referred to as Tailors' Bridge, is located near the village of Bistražin, Bishtazhin, near Gjakova, Kosovo. It is a respectable example of Ottoman architecture in Kosovo. It was built over the Ereni ...
is one of the most important utilitarian monuments in Kosovo. It is constructed during the 15th century in Gjakova
Gjakova, ) and Đakovica ( sr-Cyrl, Ђаковица, ) is the seventh largest city of Kosovo and seat of Gjakova Municipality and Gjakova District. The city has 40,827 inhabitants, while the municipality has 94,556 inhabitants.
Geographicall ...
. This bridge is 190 meters long and has 11 arches standing above Erenik river. Once the longest bridge in Kosovo, the structure is closed for road traffic, but it is clearly visible from the modern bridge constructed just alongside. It was later dramatically remodeled in the 18th century, funded by the tailor's guild, for which the bridge is named According to the decision on the protection of the bridge by the law of 1962, it is said that this bridge has historical, sociological, artistic, urban and cultural values.
The Saint Bridge is 19 km away from the Gjakova city center. It is constructed over Drini River which has a canyon. The most interesting fact about this bridge is its bizarre story. According to a legend, there were three brothers asked to build the bridge, but during the night felt apart everything that brothers constructed during the day. It was later decided that in order to build the bridge, one of their wives should be sacrificed. The woman that accepted to be sacrificed asked to make available for her baby that was still being breastfed. Special about this bridge are the competitions that are held every year on March–April in swimming, diving and jumping.
Vojinovića Bridge is the oldest bridge in Kosovo. It is located in the north-west side of Vučitrn along the Pristina-Kosovska Mitrovica route. This route used to be an old track that connected Skopje and Raguza, thus connecting Kosovo to the Adriatic Sea. While being directly connected to the city center of Vučitrn, it played an important role of the city development during the 14th and 15th century. It was built over the Sitnica River, but since the 20th century it has remained on the dry ground because of river flow change. Since then it was used as an informal meeting point of the citizens, while today it is isolated and claimed as a specially protected area by the Ahtisari plan and has a status number 859/49. The Bridge is unique of its alternative red and white voussoirs. Its exact date of built is not known. Mr. Izet Miftari claims that the bridge was built during the Roman period or antiquity in the 2nd century. While according to professor Hilmi Saraçi, it was built during the economic growth of the Dardanian state of Illyria in the 5th century (article “Ancientness, designation, cultural, historical and archaeological heritage of the city of Vučitrn”). Serbian historians claim that the bridge was built at the end of the 14th century. The and bridge is asymmetrical and is composed of nine arches. The five pointed middle arches were built during the early medieval, Byzantine era, while the four semi-circular others during the Ottoman period.
Fountains
Pristina's fountain is the sole public fountain in Pristina which is protected by the state. It is located between the “Bazaar’s mosque” (Xhamia e Çarshisë) and Kosovo's Museum. Years ago there used to be many fountains in the city, but this one is the only public fountain that was able to survive during the years.
Prizren's fountain is Prizren's pride, it is the most important location for city trip all season, every day and every night. It always had an important role as the essential market of all important actions. In these days with his Fountain-heas serves all the people and guests to the site itself where they can stay, drink the cold water of the Fountain, talk with their friends and order the delicious coffee in restaurants in that area too.
Clock towers
Sahat Kulla (The clock tower) is the city's clock, built in the 19th century by Jashar Pashe Gjinolli. It is 26 meters high and in hexagon's shape. The original object was damaged by the fire, but was reconstructed later. It's protected by the state since 1867. In 2001 its original bell, which was brought from Moldavia, was stolen. KFOR changed its old mechanism with a new electric one. Considering Kosovo's problems with electricity supply, the clock tower barely tells the right time.
Residential buildings
Urban traditional houses
Emin Gjiku is a traditional, preserved house which is protected by the state. Nowadays, it serves as an Ethnological Museum, but back in the 18th century it used to be just an ordinary house that belonged to Emin Gjinolli. “Emincik” (“Emin Küçük” meaning “little man” in Turkish) is referred to the owner's nickname, which is also the name of the museum. The museum includes ancient weapons, tools, traditional clothing, handicrafts and other elements which are all aged during the Ottoman Empire. Despite that, the museum also sells traditional gifts including white eggshell plies hats.
Complex of Albanian Prizren League is the complex honors Albanian Prizren League held in June 1878. League of Prizren was not just a meeting of prominent political leaders, military and culture or just an idealistic meeting. It represented the will of the all Albanian nation. In 1999 the front part of the building was burnt down. It has been reconstructed and transformed into a museum. It is the most important monument of Prizren and it is visited by many tourists, especially during the events that are held in Prizren on holidays every year.
The Köroĝlu House is a traditional house of the 19th century built by the Köroĝlu family. The house is located in the “Kaçamak Mahalla”, in the old city center of Kosovska Mitrovica. It is a typical Ottoman house built 200 years ago, therefore it is protected under the status number 02-354/78. Even though a property of Ergin Köroĝlu, former Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, the house is not being used anymore.
The House of Blagoje Đorđević is located in the north Kosovska Mitrovica
North Mitrovica, sr-Cyrl, Ceвepнa Митровица; sq, Mitrovica e Veriut or ''Mitrovicë Veriore'' or North Kosovska Mitrovica,, sr-Cyrl, Северна Косовска Митровица is a town and municipality located in Mitrovica ...
, since 1980 used to be a shelter for the national liberation activists in 1941. There was established the Council of the Regional National Liberation Fund headed by Blagoje Ðorđević. This institute collected financial and material means for the National Liberation Movement of Yugoslavia. After the Second World War it became a museum.
Citizen Urban Houses Bajmak are two houses located in the Marash Complex, on the left stream of river Bistrica in Prizren. They were built in the 18th century by local skillful craftsmen. They were constructed with different materials as stone, clay, combinations of timber frames and mud bricks. Their floors, stairs and roof construction are made by timber. Roofs are covered with clay tiles, while the facades are plastered with mud. The buildings comprise a ground floor and a first floor, and a garden. In their interior it can be noted characteristic timber-lined ceilings and wooden cupboards.
House of the Kirajtani Family is the house of Shemsedin Kirajtani, a protected building by the Institute for Protection of Monuments in Prizren. It is located in the city center, accurately in Sub-Zone 1 of the Protected Historic Zone of Prizren. It was built in the 19th century, while in 1970 a new annex on the north-west side was added. In the house's lovely yard is also found the stable. This civic building with local attributes lays in a basement, ground floor and an unfinished first floor. Its foundations are made of stone and mortar, while the walls of clay with mud joints. Roof has a wooden construction and is covered by concave clay tiles. The interior elements as the windows, ceilings, stairs, and cupboards are also made of wood. Ceilings of the house are highly decorated. Its front façade is symmetrical with traditional features. Rooms on the first floor look like a large dormer in the roof, which makes the house unique.
House of Qyse Family is located in the eastern part of the city center, in the Protected Zone 1 of Prizren. It was built in 1830 and renovated in 1996 to fulfill the family needs. Traditional architecture and documentation methodologies. Nearby the Marash Park and Bistrica River are found. The house is oriented towards the river, and lies just under a cliff above which dominates the Fortress of Prizren. The street in front of the house was paved with cobble stones (kalldërm) till 2003, when they were replaced with concrete slabs. Qyse House lies in two stories. The ground floor at the beginning had only one a room and a small corridor. Later were added two rooms and a bathroom. The first floor had an irregularly shaped hall, a living room with bathroom (hamamxhik), stove, toilet and changing space. After the renovation, it has the hall, two bedrooms, storage, and two bathrooms. Its main construction material of the basement and walls is stone. Walls are filled with a mixture of clay and wood (qerpiq) for its isolation properties. The floor and upper gallery are made of wood. Roof is constructed with wooden truss and covered with clay tiles. Just above the facades, two layers of the roof are made of stone tiles, used for their self-weight. The front façade is composed by the gallery, roof eaves and large symmetrical windows of the first floor.
House of Musa Shehzade was built at the end of 18th and beginning of the 19th century in Prizren. It was used as a residential house till 1980. It has not been in use till 2012 when it was restored and turned into Ethnological Museum. It is a monument under permanent protection.
This building is an example of houses with central garret (čardak). Its asymmetry is due to the narrow location. The house lies in two floors. Its ground floor is composed of the main entering hall, living room with small bath (hamamxhik), one room, porch (hajat) with carrel (qyshk), and the toilet. Wooden L-shaped stairs lead to the first floor which is made of the hall, the main living room with hamamxhik, two rooms, garret (cardak), storage and toilet. House used to have wooden roof till 1999 when the owner changed it. Since then it has been causing damages to the whole structure of the house. Its interior is rich on ethnographic elements, mostly noted in the fireplaces (stacks). Ceilings and closets and cupboards and doors are also well graved on the wood. The main living room is the most important are in the house therefore has the most sophisticated decorations.
The Pantić House is located in the center of Velika Hoča
Velika Hoča ( sr-Cyrl, Велика Хоча, sq, Hoçë e Madhe) is a village in the municipality of Rahovec, in Kosovo. It is one of the Serb enclaves in Kosovo, and houses some 13 Orthodox church buildings, most of which date to the Serbian ...
village of the Orahovac municipality. This 150 years old house was restored and adapted into Bed & Breakfast accommodation, which offers comfortable and cozy atmosphere. It is composed of a dining room, kitchen, bathroom and storage on the ground floor, and three comfortably furnished rooms, a bathroom and a gallery on the first floor. The garden has many flowers. Besides this, the house offers views of the surrounding landscape.
The Spasić House is the most characteristic traditional house in the Velika Hoča
Velika Hoča ( sr-Cyrl, Велика Хоча, sq, Hoçë e Madhe) is a village in the municipality of Rahovec, in Kosovo. It is one of the Serb enclaves in Kosovo, and houses some 13 Orthodox church buildings, most of which date to the Serbian ...
village. It was built during the first half of the 19th century by a family ancestor, who was a pilgrim to Jerusalem. What makes this building unique are its pronounced facades, its cantilevered elements on the upper floor, the large gates with separated entrances for pedestrians and vehicles, old-fashioned locks and hinges, and the decorative stone slate canopies. It is also a Bed and Breakfast house that offers two double bedrooms, a bathroom and a ‘Jerusalem Chamber’ in the first floor. The ‘Jerusalem Chamber’ is the most representative part of the house, which has a family iconostasis and relicts brought by the pilgrimage. On the ground floor are found the living room, kitchen, bedroom and a bathroom.
Belediya building was built by the end of the 18th century as the municipality for Ottoman authorities in Prizren. It is located in the historical zone of the city. It is a unique building incorporated perfectly in the surrounding area and built in a human scale. In 1911 Sultan Rashady was settled in Belediye. He called for fair judge in the name of God, and restated that “all citizens living under his dynasty should be happy”. The building was restored and adapted to the first Regional Centre of Cultural Heritage in Balkans, used as a training center for professionals and interns of the Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage is the heritage of tangible and intangible heritage assets of a group or society that is inherited from past generations. Not all heritages of past generations are "heritage"; rather, heritage is a product of selection by soci ...
.
Rural fortified houses - ''Kullas''
Tower of Junik was built in the 18th century and is located in Junik
Junik ( sq, Junik, sq-definite, Juniku; sr, Јуник, Junik) is a town located in Junik Municipality in the Gjakova District in western Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, the town of Junik has 6,053 inhabitants, while the municipality has ...
. It is known for large architectural value and historical importance.
Tower of Dullshaban is also known as the monumental towers of Loshajve, was built in the 18th century, in Carrabreg village of lower Deçan
Deçan, or Dečani sr-cyr, Дечани ; also in use Dečane sr-cyr, Дечане is a town and municipality in Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, the town of has 3,803 inhabitants, while the municipality has 40,019 inhabitants.
Geog ...
. It was burned by Yzugoslav forces and in the absence of institutional and private care, it was leveled with the ground. Although it is burnt, this tower's architectural features walls look monumental to the same, and it has been preserved and maintained as such.
Tower of Haxhi Zeka was built by Albanian ethnicity craftsmen and is the most developed example of this type of tower in cities of Kosovo of the 19th century. It was used for the meetings of Albanian patriots led by Haxhi Zeka, who was an eminent Albanian fighting for independence of Albania and all Albanian territories. Due to its historical and architectural values, this building became a protected monument. It was built near the Haxhi Zeka square in Peć and has a direct access by the street. Adjacent to tower is the family house, which was built during the 18th and 19th century. It has a prismatic volume, upraised in a nearly square base and its massive construction is made of stones. The tower has the ground floor and two other floors, where on the top floor is noted the stylish ‘dyshekllëk’. The balanced front façade made by hewn stones together with the entering arched gate and ‘dyshekllëk’ make the tower quite civilized and sophisticated. It is also known for its fine-treated windows and embrasures. Symbols of the lion and Star of David can be seen on the walls. Its decorative parts in the interior are the ceilings and metallic handles of the doors and windows. Even though it had several interventions, it still has its main attributes and originality.
The Kostić tower is also located in the center of Velika Hoča
Velika Hoča ( sr-Cyrl, Велика Хоча, sq, Hoçë e Madhe) is a village in the municipality of Rahovec, in Kosovo. It is one of the Serb enclaves in Kosovo, and houses some 13 Orthodox church buildings, most of which date to the Serbian ...
village, near to the complex of Visoki Dečani monastery. It is a fortified stone tower built during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is constructed by local materials as stone, adobe mud brick and timber. Thus it makes a good example of traditional vernacular architecture. Since 2010 it has been adapted to Bed & Breakfast. It offers two furnished rooms and a bathroom in the first ground, while in the ground floor are the living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and storage. There are served traditional food and drinks.
Tower of Mazrekaj Family was built in the 19th century in the historical core of the Dranoc village. It has a square plan with approximately 10x10 meters dimensions. Its walls and foundations are made of stones jointed by lime mortar, while the floor construction is made of timber. The dividing walls and the interior elements as floor, doors, window frames, stairs, and fences are also made of wood. The ground floor was used as a stable for cattle. The first floor, accessed by the outside stairs was used as private quarters of the family. The second floor was used as a gathering room only for men, also called ODA.
In 2004 tower got restored. Since 2005, it was used for social and cultural activities for three years in row. After that it was turned into a modest Bed and Breakfast. Nowadays the ground floor is used as a conference hall and gallery, and the first floor offers modern equipped bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. It is reached directly by the ground floor. The top floor, or Oda, is used for meetings or as a sleeping room for guests. Its interior has remained entirely original. tower has historical, functional, social, authenticity, economical and landscape values.
Koshi's tower was constructed in the 19th century, near the city's bazaar in Gjakova. It is under protection by law on cultural heritage since 1980. It is a three floors house made of stones. People used to call it “Batusha’s Tower” because it belonged to Batusha's family many of whose members were active in wars during the Albanian renaissance. It is one of the rarest examples of a pure stone tower preserved in the city.
Old Complex of Towers is a complex is positioned in Deçan
Deçan, or Dečani sr-cyr, Дечани ; also in use Dečane sr-cyr, Дечане is a town and municipality in Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, the town of has 3,803 inhabitants, while the municipality has 40,019 inhabitants.
Geog ...
. It is constructed in 18th-19th century. Presents the integrity, rural agglomeration. The complex consist of many quarters. It has architectural and artistic values.
Tower of Zymer Mushkolaj is positioned in Deçan
Deçan, or Dečani sr-cyr, Дечани ; also in use Dečane sr-cyr, Дечане is a town and municipality in Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, the town of has 3,803 inhabitants, while the municipality has 40,019 inhabitants.
Geog ...
and it dates from the 18th century. It has three floors with wooden gallery. It was seriously damaged and nowadays it has only the remains of the walls.
Tower of Osdautaj is located in the Isnić village. It has been the property of Dautaj's family throughout its existence. It is made of stones and represents a monument of Albanian architecture.
Tower Shehu is a three floor building constructed in the end of the 18th century. It is based on the compositional layout consist of wooden and stone gallery. Nowadays it has only its remains.
Tower Sylaj is a stone tower, constructed in the end of the 19th century. It has three floors, where each floor has a particular function. The first floor was used as stable, the second one was used for living whereas the third floor was the men room/Oda e burrave. Nowadays it has only the remains of its constructive walls.
Tower Habib Avdyli was constructed in the end of the 19th century. It had only two floors but nowadays it has only the remains of the walls.
Modernism Period
Hotels
Hotel Union is a hotel located in Pristina
Pristina, ; sr, / (, ) is the capital and largest city of Kosovo. The city's municipal boundaries in Pristina District form the largest urban center in Kosovo. After Tirana, Pristina has the second largest population of ethnic Albanians and ...
, constructed in 1927 by an Austrian architect. It has been under protection since 1996.
Museums
Kosovo's Museum was constructed in 1949 in an Austro-Hungarian architecture construction style, which dates from 1898. It consists of a collection of more than 50.000 different profiles such as archeology, technology, history, nature, folklore, heritage etc., which date about 6000 years BC. A numerous exhibition
An exhibition, in the most general sense, is an organized presentation and display of a selection of items. In practice, exhibitions usually occur within a cultural or educational setting such as a museum, art gallery, park, library, exhibition ...
s were organized, such as “Nena dashuri e madherishem”, exhibitions for the missing persons, “Amerika for Kosovo”, the one for NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO, ; french: Organisation du traité de l'Atlantique nord, ), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 member states – 28 European and two No ...
’s interventions during the Kosovo's war and many others.
Libraries
Hivzi Sylejmani Library was founded by the Municipal Assembly in 1963 in Pristina
Pristina, ; sr, / (, ) is the capital and largest city of Kosovo. The city's municipal boundaries in Pristina District form the largest urban center in Kosovo. After Tirana, Pristina has the second largest population of ethnic Albanians and ...
. At the beginning it had approximately 1,300 books in Albanian and Serbian as well as many brochures, leaflets and local newspapers, which mainly were about the wartime. Its original name changed during the years. During Kosovo
Kosovo ( sq, Kosova or ; sr-Cyrl, Косово ), officially the Republic of Kosovo ( sq, Republika e Kosovës, links=no; sr, Република Косово, Republika Kosovo, links=no), is a partially recognised state in Southeast Euro ...
’s war in 1999, the library was deeply damaged, but after that it opened many other branches all over Kosovo
Kosovo ( sq, Kosova or ; sr-Cyrl, Косово ), officially the Republic of Kosovo ( sq, Republika e Kosovës, links=no; sr, Република Косово, Republika Kosovo, links=no), is a partially recognised state in Southeast Euro ...
.
Other important buildings
The Newborn monument
The Newborn Monument (NEWBORN) is a typographic sculpture and tourist attraction in Pristina, Kosovo. Located in front of the Palace of Youth and Sports, the monument was unveiled on 17 February 2008, the day that Kosovo formally declared its ...
is a monument made of steel letters spelling the word Newborn, which weighs about nine tones. It is located in the centre of Pristina in front of the Palace of Youth and Sports. It is painted yellow and has citizen's signatures all over it in order that every person who lives in Kosovo
Kosovo ( sq, Kosova or ; sr-Cyrl, Косово ), officially the Republic of Kosovo ( sq, Republika e Kosovës, links=no; sr, Република Косово, Republika Kosovo, links=no), is a partially recognised state in Southeast Euro ...
, can leave their footprint on the monument. The monument was unveiled on the day of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Kosovo
Kosovo ( sq, Kosova or ; sr-Cyrl, Косово ), officially the Republic of Kosovo ( sq, Republika e Kosovës, links=no; sr, Република Косово, Republika Kosovo, links=no), is a international recognition of Kosovo, partiall ...
. It has been awarded with several prizes worldwide and is under protection of the government of Kosovo
sr, Влада Косова / Vlada Kosova
, border =
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, date =
, polity = Kosovo
, address = Government Building, Pristina
, leader_title = Prime Min ...
.
See also
* Islamic monuments in Kosovo
* Timeline of Kosovo history
*Tower houses in the Balkans
A distinctive type of Ottoman tower houses ( sq, kullë; bg, кули, ; sr, kуле, ro, culă, all meaning "tower", from Arabic (, “fort, fortress”) via Persian , meaning "mountain" or "top", and Turkish ) developed and were built in t ...
*Destruction of Albanian heritage in Kosovo
The architectural heritage of the Kosovo Albanians during Yugoslav rule was shown institutionalised disregard for decades prior to outright conflict at the end of the 20th century.. "For instance, before the Kosovo War of 1998–1989, Kosovar cultu ...
* Destroyed Serbian heritage in Kosovo
Notes and references
Notes
References
{{Kosovo topics
Monuments and memorials in Kosovo