Kalaja e Prizrenit

The Prizren Fortress is located on the left side of the Bistrica River in Prizren and is one of the most unique monuments of cultural heritage of the Republic of Kosovo. Located in a stone massive, with a special position, the castle stands as a crown above the city of Prizren. Three distinct parts are distinguished in construction terms: the upper town, the lower town and the southern city. During the Ottoman period, the fortress was enriched with several new facilities such as hammam, mosque and other military use buildings. The latest constructions were made in the third decade of the nineteenth century from the local family of Rrotllaj. The oldest note is that of Byzantium Procopius of Caesarea in the work “De aedificiis” (on constructions). Among the fortifications repaired in Dardania, this castle is named for the first time in this work by the name of Petrizen, which corresponds to Prizren's present name. The Prizren Fortress is the most unique representative of an ancient medieval settlement, which was used more as a military garrison during the Ottoman period. From archaeological excavations carried out in 1969 and again in 2004, 2009-2012, it was found that the castle retains depositions of the late Bronze Age, late antiquity, and the medieval period. The castle is surrounded by high walls, with several towers and gates. Traces of many architectural objects, especially from the Ottoman period, are preserved within the fortress. The unique position of the fortress, its cultural values and the natural landscape make it an attractive tourist destination. The Prizren Fortress is one of the most important assets of Kosovo's cultural heritage. Based on its historical and scientific values, the Prizren Fortress was proclaimed a site under permanent protection by the Kosovo Council for Cultural Heritage in 2016.