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Gjakova/Gjakovë (Albanian) is a city in western Kosovo with about 101,000 inhabitants.

Understand

The Gjakova Grand Bazaar

Gjakova is a center of culture and learning in Kosovo. It was established as a trading town, sporting the largest bazaar in the Balkans, called Çarshia e Madhe (the Grand Bazaar). The tradesmanship spirit and some of the trades practiced still remain in the city. The city is centrally located in the Dukagjin Valley of western Kosovo, equal distance between the cities of Prizren to the south and Peja to the north. It also has a historic link to the Gjakova Highlands, now across the border in northern Albania.

The townspeople pride themselves in their sense of town music practiced, humour and sarcasm which distinguish it from the rest of Kosovo and enforce the local character. Gjakova has contributed several important leaders to the history of Kosovo, such as WWII partisan and post-war leader Fadil Hoxha and communist Yugsolav Presidency Chairman Mahmut Bakalli, as well as to the cultural scene.

Gjakova was badly hit by the Kosovo War of 1998–99, fought between Kosovo Liberation Army guerrillas demanding the independence of Kosovo and Serbian forces. Around 75% of town's population was driven out by the Serb Army during the war, and many of the city's homes and important monuments were burnt down or otherwise destroyed. After the war, much of town's ethnic Albanian inhabitants returned (who make up to 98% of the population). Many of the stores in the old-town area, locally known as Çarshia e Madhe, were rebuilt.

While in Gjakova, make sure you talk to the locals, especially the young ones, since they're more proficient in English. And you will hear a story about every corner of the city.

The town has sizable Diasporas in Switzerland, Germany and Belgium. So especially during the summer months you will see many expensive foreign cars from these countries circling around the town. The foreign family members come here for vacation as well as for marriages because this way the whole family can join the wedding. The Çarshia e Madhe has many shops specialized in marriages.

Tourist information

Get in

By bus

The inter-city bus station is at the entry of the town when coming from Prishtina, with easy access to the town.

If you are in Prishtina, a bus heads to Gjakova every half an hour (€4, 1h30mins), also from Prizren (€2, 1h) and from Peja (€2, 40mins) every 15 minutes.

If you are in Tirana, there are buses available directly to Gjakova, which leave at 6 am and 3 pm, and costing around €15.

If you are in Shkodra you can have an adventurous route via Lake Koman. Get a furgon (minivan) at 6 am from Shkodra to Koman. There you can catch the passenger or car ferry to Fierze, then get a furgon to Bajram Curri and another furgon to Gjakova, arriving around mid-day in Gjakova.

If you are in Skopje, take the bus going either to Prishtina or Prizren, then from there take another bus to Gjakova.

By plane

Prishtina International Airport Adem Jashari (PRN IATA) is 65 km away from Gjakova. There you can get a taxi to the roundabout in Fushë Kosovë on the outskirt of Prishtina and wait there for the Gjakova bus passing by from Prishtina.

By car

From Prishtina Gjakova is 90 km away on a partly highway road. The road from Montenegro will take you first to Peja, Gjakova is another 36 km to the south. If you come from Albania, the easiest way is through the highway Durres - Kukes - Prizren, then taking the Gjakova exit with another 25 km on the Prizren-Gjakova regional road.

Get around

Since the city is not that big, the best way to get to see it is by walking. Taxis are quite cheap, you can get around the city for €2-3 tops.

By bike

Gjakova is the bike capital of Kosovo, and quite bikable.

See

Map
Map of Gjakova

Some of the monuments had to be repaired after the destruction during the war. So enjoy the walk through the nice old town. There you should visit the guesthouse/restaurant Hani i Haraqisë which sits on a small street with shops specialized in woodwork. The church and the main Hadum Mosque have also been rebuilt and can be visited (opening times change).

The Grand Bazaar

  • 1 The Grand Bazaar. It is one of the rarest of its kind. An architectural and cultural complex, with a length of 1 km, including a space of about 35.000m2, it holds a large number of crafts-work shops. Some of the main handicrafts:
  • Production of arms - Gunsmiths
  • Silversmiths
  • Tailors (“Terzinjtë")
  • Curriers (“Tabakët)
  • Woolen white hat (“Qeleshe”) craft free. 

The Haraqia Inn

Hani i Haraqisë, Gjakova
  • 2 Haraqia's Inn. Being situated in the southern part of the Bazaar (15-20 minutes on foot), the Haraçia Inn is one of the oldest objects in Gjakova. It has a characteristic wooden construction style, with a beautiful "çardak". Having two floors and a wonderful yard, it has almost saved the original shape, while nowadays it is exploited as a museum-restaurant, where people can be served with traditional foods. 


Religious monuments

Religious harmony in Gjakova

Mosques

  • 3 Hadum Mosque (Xhamia e Hadumit). daytime. Hadum Mosque (Xhamia e Hadumit) is one of the very first monuments which marks the history of the town of Gjakova. Being built in 1594-95, it represents a cultural, educational and religious center of this area. After being damaged during the 1999 Kosovo War, it was reconstructed and now is open not only for religious and educational purposes, but also for touristic and cultural visits. A history of the mosque will be told to any visitor. Just 10 minutes on foot away from the center of the city, in the road of the Old Bazaar of Gjakova (also known as the Grand Bazaar of Gjakova) (Albanian: Çarshia e Vjetër e Gjakovës or Çarshia e Madhe e Gjakovës). free. 
Hadum Mosque

Churches

  • 4 Saint Paul and Saint Peter Church. Saint Paul and Saint Peter Church (Albanian: Kisha e Shën Palit dhe Shën Pjetrit) is one of the tallest monuments in Gjakova, which can be seen from different points of the town, and can be reached 25-30 minutes on foot (Just in front of the the Saint Anton (Shna Ndou) Church). free. 

Tekkes

  • 5 The Grand Autocephalous Balcanic Tekke. One of the oldest monuments built in Gjakova, showing a unique style of building 10 minutes on foot away from the center. free. 
  • 6 The Bektashi Tekke. well-known not only in Gjakova, but more widely in Kosovo. What characterizes the Bektashi are their unique Islamic ideology, indicating the diversity of beliefs in Kosovo and the prevalence of religious tolerance. Babai, the spiritual leader of the tekke, always has the pleasure to show the tekke and talk about its history. free. 

Historical Monuments

Bridges

  • 7 The Terzi Bridge. A 18th century bridge with a length of 190 meters and eleven arcs. Located in the southeastern part of Gjakova, on the road to Prizren, can be reached easily by car, by bus, or by taxi in about 15-20 minutes. 
  • 8 The Tabak Bridge. The Tabak Bridge built in 1771, lies over River Erenik, and used to be a bounding bridge between Gjakova and Shkodra. It has an attractive scenery. 

Traditional Houses

Etnographic Museum in Gjakova

The houses below are characterized by interesting and unique architecture, of mainly traditional and oriental style.

  • 9 The house of Rexhep Haxhi Ismaili. The house of Rexhep Haxhi Ismaili is now used also as the museum of Gjakova. 10 minutes on foot from the center, it is located just to the right side of the main road, in front of the Municipality of Gjakova building. 
  • 10 The tower house (kulla) of Abdullah Pashë Dreni. 3-5 minutes on foot from the center, at the entrance of the Grand Bazaar of Gjakova, near the Shejh Emin Tekke. 

Natural places

  • 11 Shkugëza Park. The Shkugëza Park (Albanian: Parku i Shkugëzes; or just Shkugëza) is located 3 km from the city. It has a huge pine planted area, with bicyclist trails, walking trails and daily-stay corners. Four restaurants around, it can be reached in 5 minutes by car, 10 minutes by bicycle or 30 minutes on foot. 
  • 12 Çabrati Hill. The Çabrati Hill (Albanian: Kodra e Çabratit; or just Çabrati) is also known as the city's hill. With several restaurants and night clubs, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the city at any time of the day, especially at night. A 30-minute walk from the city would be attractive reaching the hill's height. Except small cars and bicycles, other vehicles are not recommended due to the uphill. 
  • 13 Radoniqi Lake. Close to the Gjakova Airport, 7 km away. Taking a cab to the lake wouldn't cost more than €15. Beware though, it's the drinking water source of the town, therefore swimming is prohibited! 

Do

  • 1 City tour, Hadum Aga, n. n. (Next to Sylejman Hadum Aga Mosque at the Grand Bazaar), ☏ +381 390 327 850, +377 (0)45 676 015, . by arrangement. The tour includes all the major cultural monuments starting from Avdullah Pashë Dreni Kulla followed by the Shejh Emini Tekke. The visit continues to the Grand Bazaar, to the grain market, the handicrafts: quilt workers, saddlers, tobacco pipe makers, a visit to the 16th century Mosque of Hadum Aga then a traditional house for a tea break. The tour continues with a visit to a group of craftsman who create handmade wooden boxes. An opportunity to visit the Bektashi Tekke and the stories of the "Babai" (Spiritual leader of the Tekke). The visit is followed by a visit to the 16th century Hani i Haraçise (the masterpiece of the Grand Bazaar) and the Ethnographic Museum, an old traditional house with many interesting wooden carved pieces. price by arrangement. 
  • Guided hikes, . hours by arrangement. Gjakova is surrounded by beautiful hikable mountain trails lush with greenery and water. SHBA Pashtriku is the leading mountaneering club in the town going on regular hikes every Sunday costing only the transportation costs. Dedicated guided hikes can also be provided by arrangement. €2-7 on Sundays open to all, call or email for dedicated tours. 
  • 2 Radoniqi Lake (close to the airport, 7 km away. Taking a cab to there wouldn't cost more than €15.). Radoniqi Lake is the drinking water source of the town, therefore swimming is prohibited! free. 

Buy

Metal handicrafts, utensils and engravings can be bought at various places around town, including at the Grand Bazaar. Plis, the white traditional Albanian hat, can also be bought starting at €5.

Making of the plis

Eat

Cousine in Gjakova is not very diverse, but offers the tradional Kosovo cousine in a modest setting and at reasonable prices.

  • 1 Hani i Haraqisë, Qamil Bakalli st. (Off Ismail Qemali st.), ☏ +377 (0)44 236 838, +377 (0)44 344 719. 08-23. Han means roadhouse, a role it served for some 200 years, but this object has been turned into a restaurant for the last 50 years. Tradional qebaba (Balkan kebabs) is recommended. Next door Hani i Vjetër which is part of the complex has an even better atmosphere although the food is not as good. When in the AM ask for paqë (beef soup) here. €5-10. 
Tavë me tomël (Milk tava)
  • 3 Oxygen, Martin Camaj st. (take the uphill to the end of the paved road at Çabrati Hill), ☏ +386 (0)49 404 730. Eat in relaxed family-friendly atmosphere with a great view of the city. Standard meat-based plates are served here. €5-10. 

Drink

  • 1 D.E.L. House Bar, Marin Barleti st. (Near the Cultural Center, in the center of the city.). It's a nice place to have a great party, especially during the weekends. €0.70 and up. 
  • 2 Cacoo Bar, Ismail Qemajli st., #26 (From the central post office go downhill, you'll see it on the right side before crossing the bridge.), ☏ +386 (0)49 775 075. 08:00-24:00. Have a coffee here every day, from 8 am till midnight. Located in the center of the city near the Post Office. €0.70 and up. 
  • 3 Hapësira Bashkëpunuese (At Çarshia e Madhe (Grand Bazaar)), ☏ +377 (0)44 439 410. Hapësira Bashkëpunuese is a combination of a bar café, a library and of a place for various performances (start-up events, alternative lectures, art exhibitions). €0.70 and up. 
  • Shpija e vjetër Lounge Bar, Mit'hat Frashëri st., ☏ +377 (0)44 845 616. During the weekdays you can have a snack or coffee, but during the weekend you can have a nice party here. Open from 08-24. €0.70 and up. 
  • Retrospektiv, Ismail Qemajli st, nr. 58 (the Grand Bazaar). Is known for being the only rock café in the town and for being open till the last guest leaves. €0.70 and up. 
  • 4 Index Bar (At the end of the paved road to the uphill road to Çabrati hill.). Located on top of the city, the Çabrati hill, from where during the day, while having a coffee, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole city, and throughout the night (especially on the weekends) there you can also have a great party. €0.70 and up. 
  • 5 HD Club, Gjon Buzuku st. (If you are in the center of the city, you can go there on foot easily, only by following the main Mother Theresa st., which may take you 20 minutes of walking, or you can get a cab and pay €2.). Frequented by the youth of all over Kosovo, it is known as one of the best nightclubs in the country. €0.70 and up. 
  • 6 N'Pub, Mother Theresa st. (Small Bazaar), ☏ +377 (0)44 601 331. It is an indoor night club which is open only during the winter season. You can find there some great parties with live music and cheap beers. €0.70 and up. 

Sleep

Several choices are available for sleeping. The costs of sleeping ranges from €20-50 per night.

  • 1 Hotel Çarshia e Jupave, Ismail Qemaili st. Nr. 9, Gjakovë (At the northern entrance of Grand Bazaar), ☏ +377(0) 44 129 159, +386(0) 49 129 159, +381(0) 390 330 444, fax: +381(0) 390 330 444, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Çarshia e Jupave Hotel combines the traditions of the old city with modern Kosovo luxuries by offering a comfortable place to rest, dine, shop and do business. Çarshia e Jupave Hotel is based on a 60-year long Jupa family tradition. Services:24 hour reception desk, room rervice, wake-up service, electronic key-system, WiFi Internet access, non-smoking rooms, heating and air conditioning in your room, lockable safe, laundry and dry cleaning services, fax and copy services, smoke detectors, secure luggage storage, elevator, security, camera system, secure underground private parking, taxi reservation service, credit cards are accepted. €30-100. 
  • 2 Hotel Pashtriku, Nëna Terezë st, Gjakovë (Situated exactly in the center of the city.), ☏ +381 (0) 390 327 101, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Hotel Pashtriku is the biggest hotel in the city.Services: free WiFi, free parking, bar, restaurant, 24-hour front desk, lift, room service, conference room, fitness center, exchange service, laundry service, indoor pool. €30-90. 
  • 3 Hotel La Villa, Shkugez, Gjakovë, ☏ +381 (0)390 327 692. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Situated 2 km away from the city center. Built in 2013 in the surroundings of Shkugëz forest, suitable for relaxing although weekend summer nights can be loud due to wedding parties. Services:WiFi Internet access, restaurant, pool, bar, parking. €30-60. 
  • 4 Hotel Jakova, Migjeni st. (Blloku i Ri), Gjakovë (taking a taxi is recommended), ☏ +377 (0)44 580 103, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Built in 1999. Situated in the new part of town 5 min away from the city center by car.Services:WiFi Internet access, restaurant, parking, bar. €20-40. 
  • 5 Hotel Metropol, Nëna Terezë st., Gjakovë (In the direction of Peja, near the Firefighting Station), ☏ +377 (0)44 388 169, +381 (0)38 734 686, +381(0)38 734 658. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Services:restaurant (with a diverse cuisine), conference room, banquet hall, reception 24/7, WiFi Internet, underground parking. €20-35. 

Connect

Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city, although it's a good idea to ask if one is available before you sit down. Free public WiFi is also available around the city through PTK (username: ptk, password:telekomi) and Fibrelink hotspots (no login). Internet cafés are also available at a cost of 0.60 €/hour with drinks served.

Several private phone calling shops with long-distance calling are available. You may also use the state telco company PTK main Gjakova branch downtown or several of its kiosks around the city to buy calling credit and use phone cabins.

Mobile telephony providers Vala and Ipko provide 3G and 4G internet telephony.

Go next

Mirusha Waterfalls
Decani monastery

Nearby

  • The Junik area is home to tradional stone houses called kullas. Inquire at the Tourism Office about guided tours
  • In Deçan, 20km northwest of Gjakova you'll find one of Kosovo's four UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the Visoki Decani monastery
  • Rahovec is Kosovo's prominent wine-making region. Inquire at the Tourism Office about guided tours of the area.
  • Mirusha Waterfalls — Located about 20 km on the Gjakova-Prishtina road, it has 16 beautiful waterfalls and visible stone strata. Take the Gjakova-Prishtina bus and ask to be dropped off at Ujëvara e Mirushes then walk ~3 km inland. On the way back stop at the restaurant near the road for fish and relaxation.
  • Valbona Waterfall — Located just across the border in the mountains of northern Albania, it is one of the most prominent natural beauties of northern Albania and quite visited by tourists

Further away

  • Pristina (buses to €4 paid on the bus, leaving from the bus station. 90 mins, 89 km away.). Capital city of Kosovo. Good connections from here to Skopje, Sarajevo and Belgrade. 
  • Prizren (buses to €2.5 paid on the bus, leaving from the bus station. 36 km, 45 mins away.). Ottoman-era city with Albanian, Serbian and Byzantine heritage. 
  • Shkodra (There are minibuses on the exit of Gjakova to Bajram Curri which drop you at Lake Fierza ferry stop. Ferries from Fierza leave at 06:00 ending up at Lake Koman where other minibuses wait for passengers to Shkodra.). The ferry trip on the lake/River Drin canyon is breathtaking. Shkodra is the cultural center of northern Albania and Albanian Catholics. 
  • Tirana (buses to €15 paid on the bus, leaving from the bus station. 4 hrs away.). Tirana is the capital of Albania. 
This city travel guide to Gjakova is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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