The History of Pristina
They also serve some phenomenal cheesy peppers, which are tasty enough to be a meal all on their own. That said, as mouthwateringly delicious as they are, don’t fill up on them, because you need to save room for the main event!
Of course, it wouldn’t have been a tour without some samples! Erjan and I got to try the Magic Ice Classic Cone, which is a vanilla ice cream cone with nuts and chocolate. It’s made with 100% milk and is creamy and buttery! We also tried several cheeses, including a dense, white cheese and a creamier feta. Both blew my mind!
After coming down with a quick but severe stomach bug on my second night in Pristina, I woke up starving and ready to eat again. And after nearly 24 hours of no food, the incredible burek at Furra Laura near the town of Gračanica was just what the doctor ordered!
Modern-Day Pristina
Pristina 10000 Kosovo
Pristina 10000 Kosovo
Unfortunately, most of the guesthouses from the Ottoman era were destroyed during the Communist regime. That makes the Ethnological Treasure of Kosovo unique. It is the only Ottoman-era guesthouse of its kind open to the public.
Another of the top things to see and do outside of Pristina, Kosovo, is Gračanica Monastery. This Serbian Orthodox monastery is located in the village of Gračanica, roughly 3 miles outside of the capital. Built by Serbian king Stefan Milutin in 1321, it became a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1990 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
My Time in Pristina
Former U.S. president Bill Clinton also stayed at the Swiss Diamond Hotel, in its Presidential Suite. Like the Penthouse Suite, it contains an enormous living room and dining room table, as well as a private terrace.
But the element that makes the veal tava sing is the cheese. Several different cheeses are used in this tava, making it a creamy, gooey, decadent slice of heaven. It is absolutely addicting!
If you’ve followed my blog or YouTube channel for a while, you’ll probably know that one of my biggest passions is history. I’ve been a history fanatic since I was a kid. Travel allows me to explore the past in a way books and documentaries could never allow.
Bear Sanctuary Pristina
Visit Mirusha Waterfalls
The mushroom-and-cheese tava is incredibly gooey and hearty. The heavy, stringy, melted cheese and earthy mushrooms are a truly stunning combination.
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Prishtina 10030
On the contrary, I personally found the library very cool and unique-looking. I love unusual architecture and think it’s actually quite beautiful. I wish I’d had time to go inside to see the exhibitions and archive of national newspapers. If you have the time, go for it and let me know how you like it!
Dine at Molla Egër Agroturizëm
Before you leave, I suggest checking out Molla Egër’s outdoor garden. There, you can see where the food you just ate came from. There, you can see the vegetables they grow, as well as the pens that house their hens, roosters, and turkeys. It’s a great way to explore the origins of the food you eat!
Appetizers and Starters
From there, our friend Syzane gave us the ultimate tour of Magic Ice. We got to see the processes of making yogurt and cheese, the pasteurization of the milk, the making and packing of the curd, the massive freezers, as well as the enormous vats where the cheese was pressed.
Pristina 10000 Kosovo
Like much of Kosovo, the Pristina area was first inhabited by members of the Vinča culture in the Paleolithic Age. The culture also inhabited parts of Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and North Macedonia. It was followed by the Illyrians and Romans during Classical Antiquity.
If you’re more of a veal person, don’t worry. Restaurant Liburnia’s veal tava is an explosion of flavor that is so tasty, it nearly took me aback. The buttery meat inside is perfectly cooked and mouthwateringly tender.
Sheshi Nëna Terezë p.n
Entrée
A period of rapid development followed the decision to make Pristina the capital of the then-Communist nation. Members of the regime sought to destroy Ottoman landmarks, including its bazaar, homes, churches, and mosques.
At Magic Ice, they make a number of mouthwatering dairy products, including cheese, sour cream, curd, and ice cream. They create it all in a safe environment that follows strict health guidelines; hairnets, protective gowns, face masks, and shoe coverings all must be worn inside the facility.
Dessert
In addition to its ruined buildings, archaeologists have discovered several important objects at the site since 1953. They include marble statue heads, ornaments, stele, a tragic mask, and the tombstones of a necropolis.
Emil Gjiku Complex
Along the city’s main boulevard, you’ll find one of the city’s top eateries, Restaurant Liburnia. A traditional Kosovar restaurant with a rustic and cozy interior, Restaurant Liburnia is one of the best things to see and do in Pristina, Kosovo. On its menu, you’ll find a superb selection of high-quality meat, vegetables, and tavas.
Agrotourism farms are all the rage in Kosovo and its neighbor to the south, Albania. These special farms are the perfect place to experience the farm-to-table food culture in the Balkans and try fresh, local dishes. One of the best in the Pristina area is Molla Egër Agroturizëm, whose name translates to “Wild Apple.”
If you like learning about the history of local life while traveling, visit the local ethnographic museum. Located in a house inside the 18th-century Emil Gjiku Complex, the Ethnological Treasure of Kosovo opened in 2003.
If you like learning about the history of local life while traveling, visit the local ethnographic museum. Located in a house inside the 18th-century Emil Gjiku Complex, the Ethnological Treasure of Kosovo opened in 2003.
Check out my Top 10 Things to See and Do in Peja, Kosovo
Enjoy Traditional Tavas at Restaurant Liburnia
If you like learning about the history of local life while traveling, visit the local ethnographic museum. Located in a house inside the 18th-century Emil Gjiku Complex, the Ethnological Treasure of Kosovo opened in 2003.
If you like learning about the history of local life while traveling, visit the local ethnographic museum. Located in a house inside the 18th-century Emil Gjiku Complex, the Ethnological Treasure of Kosovo opened in 2003.
Bear Sanctuary Pristina focuses on providing a home for Kosovo brown bears. Until November of 2010, it was legal to own these bears and hold them in cages. Some of these cages are essentially 6×6 cells, and you can see an example of one on the grounds. As of October of 2020, there were 19 free brown bears at the sanctuary.
Conclusion
From its ancient and medieval sites to its natural wonders, I couldn’t have envisioned a more exciting city. It’s one I hope you enjoy as much as I did. These are the top things to see and do in Pristina, Kosovo.