Gjakova

Understand

thumb|350px|The Gjakova Grand Bazaar It was established as a trading town, home to the largest bazaar in the Balkans, called Çarshia e Madhe (the Grand Bazaar). The spirit of craftsmanship and some of the trades practiced there still survive today. 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 World War II partisan and post-war leader Fadil Hoxha and communist Yugoslav 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 independence and Serbian forces. Around 75% of the 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, most of the town's ethnic Albanian inhabitants returned (comprising 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 o…

See

thumb|165x165px|Plis, the traditional Albanian woolen hat Some monuments in Gjakova had to be repaired or rebuilt after their destruction during the war. Enjoy the walk through the scenic 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).

Do

Gjakova is surrounded by beautiful hikable mountain trails lush with greenery and water.

Buy

Several gift shops are available around the Grand Bazaar.

Eat

thumb|Koshi Kulla, which serves as a restaurant|165x165px Gjakova offers the traditional Kosovo cuisine in a modest setting and at reasonable prices.

thumb|163x163px|Samun with sausage, prepared in Gjakova thumb|165px|Milk tava (tavë me tomël) served with lamb meat

Drink

thumb|Grand Bazaar is lined with cafés Grand Bazaar (Çarshia e Vjetër) pedestrian area has numerous cafés and is the main place where young people gather, sitting outside when weather allows.

Outside the town, in the Shkugëza Forest, several cafes are located. Locals walk or drive to the area in scorching days and drink their espressos in the forest's shade. Standard food is also available here. Çabrati Hill is another option if you prefer a view of the city below.

Sleep

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

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 Wi-Fi 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

thumb|Mirusha Waterfalls thumbnail|Decani monastery