Gjakova

City of the Grand Bazaar · Traditional Kulla Towers

42.3803° N, 20.4308° E Çarshia e Madhe · 1km Bazaar 500+ Shops 17th Century Origins

Oldest & Largest Bazaar in Kosovo

Traditional Kulla Towers

Terzi Bridge · 15th Century

Famous Qebapa & Flija

Hadum Mosque · 1595

Welcome to Gjakova

A city of craftsmen, tradition, and Kosovo's most remarkable Ottoman heritage

Gjakova (Đakovica) is one of Kosovo's most historically rich cities, famous for housing the Çarshia e Madhe (Grand Bazaar)—the oldest and largest Ottoman bazaar in Kosovo, stretching over 1 kilometer along the Erenik River. Founded in the 17th century, this vibrant marketplace once housed over 1,000 shops and served as a major trading hub along Balkan caravan routes .

Today, around 500 restored shops line the cobblestone streets, where you can watch craftsmen at work—coppersmiths hammering, woodcarvers shaping, and tailors stitching. The city is also renowned for its traditional kulla (stone tower houses), the iconic Terzi Bridge, and some of Kosovo's warmest hospitality .

1km-long bazaar – oldest in Kosovo

Traditional crafts – copper, wood, textiles

Kulla towers – unique defensive architecture

Dokufest satellite – cultural events year-round

Gjakova Old Bazaar

Çarshia e Madhe – The Grand Bazaar

Explore Gjakova

Click markers for details · Map data © OpenStreetMap

Top Attractions

Traditional Kulla Towers

Gjakova is home to some of Kosovo's finest examples of traditional stone tower houses

Kulla e Zenel Beut

18th-century tower house with original architecture. One of the best-preserved examples in the city.

Kulla e Gjinajve

Impressive defensive tower with thick stone walls and traditional interior layout.

Kulla e Tahir Beut

Restored tower house offering insights into traditional Kosovar life and hospitality.

What to Eat & Drink

Qebapa

Grilled minced meat sausages – Gjakova's specialty

Flija

Layered pancake dish, cooked for hours

Traditional Coffee

Turkish-style coffee in the bazaar cafes

Raki

Local grape brandy, often homemade

Mountain Cheese

Sheep cheese from the surrounding highlands

Baklava

Sweet pastry with walnuts

Gjakova Gallery

Grand Bazaar

Çarshia e Madhe

Terzi Bridge

Terzi Bridge

Kulla Tower

Traditional Kulla

Hadum Mosque

Hadum Mosque

Bazaar Crafts

Traditional Craftsmen

Gjakova Street

Old Town Streets

Visitor Information

Best Time

Spring & autumn for pleasant weather. Summer evenings in the bazaar are magical.

Getting There

Buses from Prishtina (€5, 1.5h) and Prizren (€3, 45 min). From the bus station, a short taxi ride to the bazaar.

Getting Around

The bazaar and old town are easily walkable. Taxis are affordable for exploring kulla towers.

Suggested Itinerary

Morning: Bazaar exploration & craft shopping. Afternoon: Kulla towers & Terzi Bridge. Evening: Traditional dinner in the bazaar.

Photo Spots

The Grand Bazaar, Terzi Bridge at sunset, and the clock tower overlooking the city.

Day Trips

Visit the nearby village of Dujakë for more kulla towers, or explore the Accursed Mountains.

Nearby Attractions

Prizren

Prizren

30 min drive · Ottoman old town

Peja

Peja & Rugova

1 hour drive · Mountains & canyon

Rugova

Rugova Canyon

1 hour drive · Adventure activities

Prishtina

Prishtina

1.5 hours · Capital city