Listen for the call to prayer, just as worshippers have been invited for many centuries. This old city is a relatively new capital.
Once considered part of Serbia, Pristina is now capital of the self-declared independent country, Republic of Kosovo. Visit Pristina for its history, architecture and outdoor spaces.
One Pristina highlight is the Ethnographic Museum (Muzeu Etnologjik), spread across several early 19th-century buildings. See exhibits regarding birth, life, marriage, death and spiritual heritage of Kosovars from the 15th to 20th century.
As Kosovo is predominantly Muslim, you’ll pass many mosques in Pristina. While the 15th-century Fatih Mosque (Xhamia e Mbretit) is an active place of worship, it frequently allows tourists respectful entry. Step inside to see its painted ceilings and stunning mosaics. Look across the street to the tall 19th-century Clock Tower (Sahat Kulla), which signals times for daily prayers.
Walk south to see Newborn Monument, a fairly basic sculpture of seven letters, but highly symbolic of the birth of the Republic of Kosovo. Continue south to Mother Teresa Cathedral. Ride the elevator to an observation deck for outstanding views across the city.
Turn east to see the National Library of Kosovo Pjeter Bogdani. Its very unusual architecture features white hat-like domes topping cubes covered with latticed wire. Walk a few blocks west on Bulevardi Bill Klinton to see the 11-foot-tall (3.4-metre) Statue of Bill Clinton, honouring the former U.S. president for his help to end the Kosovo War in 1999.
Leave the busy metropolis for the quiet spaces in Gërmia Park, just a few miles east of the city centre. Walk, jog or rent a bike to follow endless trails through the large forest. Visit the playgrounds, swimming pool and restaurants.
Travel north of the city to the Tomb of Sultan Murad, which contains partial remains of a sultan who was killed in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. Head south to the Marble Cave and arrange a tour of its interesting stalactites and other rock formations.
Fly to Pristina’s international airport from many European cities. Walk or use public buses or taxis to get around the town.
