If you are a traveller who wants to see different things, even if they can be cruel sometimes, Kosova is the right place for you. You'll get caught up in the mixture of different cultures, the meeting point of three different religions, you'll see the monuments with fresh wounds from the last war, meet people that have become living legends and see beautiful landscapes. This is what you will find in Kosova, and it certainly won't leave you feeling indifferent.

At the heart of the Balkans, Kosova was part of the Roman Empire, then Byzantium, and part of the Ottoman Empire in the early 15th Century. Kosova became part of Serbia before the First World War, and then part of the kingdom of Croats-Serbs and Slovenes. During the Second World War it was under German and Kingdom of Albania rule, and under Yugoslavia rule after the conflict. Kosovo became a province in the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), and enjoyed a certain degree of autonomy from 1974-90 within SFRY. The Yugoslav Republic began to break up during the early 1990's with Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia declaring the independence. An upsurge in violence in Kosovo in 1998 drew the attention of the international community, leading to conflict in the spring of 1998 and 1999.
Since June 1999, Kosova has been administered as a UN-NATO (www.nato/int/kfor )protectorate, and governed by the United Nations Mission in Kosova(UNMIK-www.unmikonline.org) and the local Provisional Institutions of Self Government-www.ks-gov.net
Kosova streches between 41"52' and 43"16' north geographical latitude and 19"59' and 21"16' of the east geographical longitude.

An estimated 2,5 million people, predominantly ethnic Albanians (90%), Serbs and Montenegrin(6%), Bosnian, Turk, Roma and Gorani (4%) are living in a territory of 10.887 sq km, making it a densely populated region. Kosova has the youngest population in Europe, since almost 50% of its population is less than 25 years old. Kosova borders Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and Macedonia. Official languages are Albanian, English and Serbian. Currency is Euro, and the time zone is UTC+1. The climate in Kosova is continental with warm summers and cold and snowy winters.
Geographically it is surronded by high mountains(Bjeshket e Sharrit-Sharri Mountains, located in the south, south-east), and Bjeshket e Nemura-Accursed Mountains, located in the south-west, west), while in the center there are two main plains, the Kosova Plain (ocuppies the central area) and Dukagjini Plain (western part of Kosova). Much of Kosova`s terrain is rugged.

TRAVEL TIPS: International airport is located near the capital town of Prishtina (about 15 km), from where you can fly directly to most of EU-countries, U.S.A.-New York, and some other countries in the region like Albania, Turkey,etc. There are good bus-links with all major European and Balkan countries.

If you drive you have to know that the roads are not in a great condition, and you have to obtain insurance at the border(around 70-euros for a month, or 50-euros for 15-days)for a small car, and don`t forget to check your speed limit, because you can not pay the fine to the police but you have to do this at the first town-to a local goverment offices.
There are good bus-links between the towns, and almost everybody speeks English, German or some other languages.
You do not need a visa for entry, but you will require an authorisation at the entry point and once your passport is stamped it is valid for three months.(more info at www.unmikonline.org
Telephone code is +381...... following the city code and six numbers for fixed lines, and +37744......followed by six numbers for mobile phones, and there is a good coverage almost everywhere in the country-about 90%. You can buy a sim-card for about five euros at the post office. www.valamobile.com or cust. services +381 38 500555.

All major credit and debit cards are accepted in most of shops, and in all ATM-machines. More info: www.brk-bank.com -Tel.038-223967 , www.raiffeisen-kosovo.com -038-226400, www.kasabank.com -038-543688, www.procreditbank-kos.com -038-249624, Bank for Private Business www.bpb-bank.com - 038 244666, Economic Bank of Kosova www.bekonomike.com 038244396.

SOME IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: Police: from landline 92, from mobile 112
Emergency: landline 94, from mobile 044 944. Firefighters 93 and from mobile 044 933.
Airport: 038/ 548-900, 548-430, Bus Station: 038/ 550-011, Train Station: 038/ 518-449
Cust. Service for ”Vala 900”: 548-367, Information 988
Red cross of Kosova: 038/522-284, Ombudsperson: 038/548-087
Meteo-office: 038/540-842, Rent a Car: Dreni 044-112 331, 044-112 332. Europcar: 038-541 401, www.autoshkodra.com , Hertz: 044-117 882, www.hertz.com .

British office: Tel. 038-254700, E-mail: britishoffice.pristina@fco.gov.uk
US office : Tel. 038-59593000, E-Mail: PaPristina@state.gov

Kosova has a pretty interesting nature. It is situated between the very old mountain range of Rodopes and the newest mountain range of Dinarics, because of this we can find here all types of geologic rocks, from the oldest to the newest, then volcanic, tectonic, lakes, underground water-flows, glacial lakes, and rivers. As a result of these natural conditions we can find in this very small region many natural rarities and very interesting natural phenomenons, like thermal and mineral hot-springs near the city of Peja, in a small place called Banja e Pejes(Peja Baths). Not so far away from here, there are at least three karstic rivers appearing at different places, like one at the village Radavc, were you can find the most powerfull waterfall-called Burimi i Drinit te Bardhe,(White Drini Spring)-around 30m high, and the cave system nearby with the same name, then spring at the village of Vrelle, and one near the small town of Burim.
From the town of Peja (population around 125000), going west and following the river-Lumebardhi you will enter the magnificient canyon with the name of Gryka e Rugoves, or Rugova Gorge, which is more than 23km long, and has few waterfalls and so many water-springs, like Uji i Zi-Black Water, Kroi i km-5, 5-th Km Spring,and so on, than hundreds of caves, most of them still unexplored, like Gryka e Madhe, or Great Canyon-cave system, until now only around 11km explored, then Shpella e Karamakazit-Black Scissors cave, and Shpella e Kallabes-Kallaba Cave were we did find the archeological remains of ancient humans, and hundreds of others caves waiting to be explored...
New ski center in the village of Boge-Rugova Valley, some 33km from Peja, offers a low-cost skiing in a beautiful suurondings.
In central Kosova, near the small town of Klina, there is a well known and amazing Mirusha-Canyon and waterfalls. Brezovica is probably the best ski centre in the entire region. Situated near the border with Macedonia, some 30 km away from Prizren. Surrounding mountains are mild, not as sharp as some parts of the Alps, and a nice place for taking long walks.

The largest cities are:

PRISHTINA-(int. postcode-10000 and tel. code 038) the capital with around 550000 inhabitants, it is an administrative, cultural,economical, and educational center.
The area of Prishtina has a long history, in its vincity archaeological discoveries have been found which date back to the early neolithical ages.

The remains of Ulpiana, near Prishtina,southeast of the city, were discovered in the ancient center of the Illyrian province of Dardania. Ulpiana was founded in the 2nd century during the rule of Emperor Trajan, and renewed in the 6th century during the rule of Justinian, after whom it was called Iustinana Secunda. According to inscriptions on the monuments from Ulpiana, it is apparent that it was one of the most beautiful cities of the Illyrian Dardania, as it was often reffered to as Ulpiana Splendissima. A number of articles were discovered here such as coins, ceramics, weapons, jewlery, all of which are exhibited at the Museum of History of Kosova in Prishtina.
After the incursions of Slavs and barbarians during the early Middle Ages, the destroyed town of Ulpiana was abandoned, creating the locality for the new town of Prishtina.
During Serbian rule, Prishtina was a major political center. Near Prishtina is the site of the Battle of Kosova (1389), in which a Balkan alliance, led by Serbian Prince Lazar, fought against the Ottoman army. The battle marked the begining of Ottoman rule of the region.
Prishtina developed in the 14th and 15th century as a mining and trading center of the Novoberde and the Mount Kopaonik (Albanik) mining industry. During the Ottoman rule in the region, it was an important administrative center, seat of the ruling Pasha, and for a while it was the center of the Kosova Vilayet.
During the Austrian-Turkish Wars of the 17th century, the Albanian population of Prishtina under the command of Pjet'r Bogdani fought aside the Austrian army against the Ottoman Turks. During Piccollominni's campaign and later Austrian campaigns, Prishtina suffered considerably, as was the case during the 1859 and 1863 fires.
Prishtina was famous for its fairs (panair) of various crafts and trade articles, especially goat hide and hair articles, coppersmiths, pottery, embroidery, etc.

Historical monuments near Prishtina include the Gracanica Monastery, built in 1321 on the basis of an older church, and the Mausoleum of Sultan Murat, reconstructed in 1850 by Hurshid Pasha.
Prishtina became the capital of Kosova after World War II. Up to this point, Prishtina had retained its appearance as an oriental town, but the intensive modernization of Prishtina in socialist Yugoslavia had managed to completely change the structure and look of the city, and had even destroyed the old qarshia (shopping street) and 18th and 19th century buildings to replace them with new ones.
The old narrow cobble stone streets and low mostly mud made houses were replaced by new modern complexes and wide streets, and attractive public buildings: the Assembly Building, Radio Station, the Television of Prishtina, Press and Publishing Hall, the University Library, several banking centers, etc.
Prishtina is the most significant high education center of Kosova. The University of Prishtina, founded in 1974, is located here with its 13 faculties (colleges). Prishtina is also home of the Academy of Arts and Sciences of Kosova which gathers Kosova's most prominent intellectuals, the Institute of Albanology, and the Institute of History.
The most popular localities of Prishtina are Kurrizi (The Spine) in the Dardania quarter and Qafa (The Neck) near the center of the city, which feature many shops, cafés and hangouts.
Old Prishtina: Charshi Mosque, Clock Tower, Fatih Mosque, Great Hamam, Green Market and Jashar Pasha Mosque. Other Sites: Catholic Church-Shen Ndou, 038-549 861. Germia Park and City Park, Mother Teresa Statue, Sultan Murad`s Tomb-village Mazgit, 7km west from Prishtina, Ulpiana-archeological site, 10km south-east of Prishtina, National Library, 038-249 650, www.biblioteka-ks.org . Kosova Institute for the Protection of Monuments, 038-249 303.

HOTELS: Hotel Afa, 038-227 722, www.hotelafa.com. Hotel Iliria, 038-224 275. Hotel Grand, 038-220 210, www.grandhotel-pr.com . Hotel Pejton, 038-222 204, www.hotelpejton.com . Hotel Victory, 038-543 277, www.hotel-victory.com . Hotel Luxor, 038-517 888, www.hotelluxor.com . Hotel Dion, 038-245 270, www.hoteldion.com . Hotel Ambasador, 038-248 300, www.hotel-ambasador.com .

RESTAURANTS: De Rada, 038-222622. Pjata, 038-220 739. Gresa, 038-245 841. Thai, 044-140 791. Tiffany`s, 044-350 550. Villa Germia, 044-517 741. Pishat, 038-245 333. Mexicana, 044-149 783. Panevino`s, 044-177 899. Symphony, 044-501 882. Samurai, 044-393 111. Puro, 044-658 515.

TAXI: Beki: 044503603 & 038 540820, Prishtina: 044 203030 & 038 244588, RGB: 044151515 & 038 515151, Roberti: 044 111999 & 038 500006, Victory: 044 111222 & 038 555333.
Cinema “ABC”: 038/243-117 www.kinoabc.info , National Theatre: 038/224-397, Theatre Dodona: 038/230-623, Kosova Philharmony and Opera: 038-244 939.
Clinic Euromed: www.klinika-euromed.com, Tel. 038 534072.
Local Government: 038/ 230-900,

PRIZREN-or THERANDA-the old Ilyrian name)(int. postcode-20000 and tel.code 029), has around 150000 inhabitants, and it is known as a historical, agricultural and trade center, located in the southern part of Kosova. Driving distance from Prishtina-75km. One of the most beautiful towns, and the most tolerant town in Kosovo. The main square is the place where you can enjoy the view of the nearby Sinan Pasha's mosque. It is the oldest mosque in Kosova and it has the highest minaret in the Balkans. It is mostly used by the Turkish minority and it is said that instead of cement the builders used a strong mixture of eggs and hair, and only few metres away you can see both, the Catholic and the Orthodox church. This cultural and religious triangle of Prizren is the landmark of the only town in Kosova where it doesn't matter which language do you speak, no one will look at you with despise. The architect Ignazio Carabellese, professor at the school Politecnico di Bari, who used to work in the Balkans, in Mostar, has described Prizren as the pearl of the Ottoman architecture, unfortunately surrounded by illegally built constructions. This is the place where 125 years ago the embryo of the first national Albanian movement was created.

PEJE-SIPARANTUM (the old Ilyrian name)(int. postcode-30000 and tel. code 039), has around 125000 inhabitants, and despite its near total destruction in 1999, you can still get a flavour of the Ottoman market town and discover some beautiful examples of Ottoman-era town houses and Kullas-fortified tower-like houses. The location of Peja is perhaps its real asset-the mountains rise up behind and spread below its fertile plain of Dukagjini. It is well-known as a touristic, craftworks, agriculture and trade center, located in the north-west part of Kosova at the foot of the gigantic Accursed Mountains, on the river Lumbardhi and on the entrance of Rugova Gorge, which offers great opportunities for hikers, rock-climbers, skiers and cave explorers. Driving distance from Prishtina-84km, and from airport 70-km.
Because of its exceptional position in regards to communication, the natural attractiveness of the mountainous hinderland and richness in cultural and historical monuments, Peja is one of the best known tourist resorts of the region. In the center of the town is Qarshia e Gjate-Old Bazzar, which was set on fire in 1999 by the Serbian troups and whatever was left on the shops was stolen by them. There are still shops of various craftsmen-goldsmiths, coppersmiths, slippermakers, leather tanners, saddle makers, tailors, etc. The attractive Bajrakli Mosque-or Market Mosque, how it is called by some of the traders there, built in 15-th century ranks among the oldest structures of Islamic architecture, at the time when Peja enjoyed its unrivalled role as an important regional trading outpost for Dubrovnik.
You can visit the Regional Ethnological Museum of Peja-039 421 446, housed in a beatiful example of a typical Ottoman house. You can see here the collection of the traditional costumes, clothes, musical instruments and Illyrian handcrafts and jewelery.
Haxhi Zeka (is well known for the convention of 450 Albanian delegates gathered in Peja in January 1899 to form The League of Peja, calling for Albanian language education) -Mill Complex-near the bus station, today is converted into a gallery and exhibition room.
Another place that should be visited is the magnificent Orthodox Patriarchy dating from 13-th century, just outside of town, one of the most sacred places of Serbian Orthodox Church. It is only after the war in 1999 that it has become a possible target of the Albanian forces, as it has been respected over the centuries. This intolerance, turned against religious symbols, was caused by the fact that within these walls the Patriarch Pavle had blessed the Serbian paramilitary forces at the beginning of the conflict in Kosova. Today this place is guarded 24/7 by the Italian KFOR soldiers, but it is quite easy to get the permission to visit.

*Some important phone numbers in Peja: Radio Taxi-Njaci: 044-394 888, Besiana-Kasapolli Taxi: 044-327286
Hotel Royal-Arda: 039-433 558 or 044-134 890, Hotel Gold: 039-434 571, Hotel Dona: 039-434 467 or 044-139 459.