Pejë: A City of History, Culture and Natural Beauty in Kosovo
Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Pejë or Peć, is the fourth most populous city in Kosovo, inhabited by 50.000 people, located in western Kosovo, about 80 kilometers from Pristina in the Rugova region on the eastern section of the Accursed Mountains along the Peja’s Lumbardh in the western part of Kosovo. 75% of the territory is covered with green areas. The medieval city was possibly built on the ruins of Siparant(um), a Roman municipium (town or city).
Begin your visit to Peja with a stroll through its vibrant main square, where you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Accursed Mountains—part of the national park that forms a dramatic natural crown to the city’s northwest. The square features monuments dedicated to Kosovo’s national heroes and a statue of Mother Teresa. You’ll find plenty of charming cafés serving excellent coffee and delicious cakes. As you explore Peja, you’ll encounter traditional tower houses (Kulla), historic religious landmarks including mosques and churches, a beautifully restored bazaar, and breathtaking natural surroundings.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Pejë’s history is reflected in its vibrant Bazaar, located in the heart of the city. The Pejë Bazaar has been a center of commerce for centuries, dating back to the Ottoman period. Despite being destroyed twice—first during World War II and again during the Kosovo War in the 1990s—the Bazaar was rebuilt in its traditional Ottoman style.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
When walking through the Bazaar you will see the Bajrakli Mosque, also known as the Bazaar Mosque. It is a key landmark in Pejë’s historic Bazaar. Built in 1471 by Sultan Mehmed II, it features the city’s oldest and tallest Ottoman-style dome. This 15th-century mosque has endured two fires—first in 1943 during World War II and again in 1999 during the Kosovo War—yet remains a symbol of Pejë’s architectural and spiritual heritage.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
For nature and adventure enthusiasts, Pejë offers much to explore. The city is located along the Lumbardhi i Pejës River, which flows westward into Rugova Canyon, a breathtaking gorge in the Albanian Alps. Stretching approximately 25 kilometers and reaching depths of up to 1,000 meters, Rugova Canyon is one of Europe’s longest and deepest. The area is famous for its scenic hiking trails, leading visitors through stunning alpine landscapes and the rugged beauty of the gorge.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
In close proximity to the city of Peja the White Drin Waterfall and the Bukuroshja e Fjetur Cave, also known as Sleeping Beauty Cave, are located. Both are located in the Accursed Mountains and are natural tourist attractions. The waterfall is located at the mouth of the White Drin river and is 25 m (82 ft) high. The cave is located around 11 km from Peje, and Neolithic human remains, dating back six thousand years, were discovered there. The waterfall, the cave and the spring of White Drin River has been under legal protection since 1983, as nature monument due to its geomorphological, hydrological and touristic values.
When in Peje, you cannot miss The Visoki Dečani Monastery located around 16 km further. It was founded in 1335 by Serbian King Stefan Dečanski, and it is one of the largest and most impressive medieval churches in the Balkans. A masterpiece of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architecture, the monastery features over 1,000 original frescoes and is protected by KFOR forces.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Another major religious site is the Patriarchate of Peć, a Serbian Orthodox monastery just outside the city. Founded in the early 13th century by Saint Sava of Serbia, it houses the tombs of Serbian patriarchs and archbishops and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2006.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Photos: ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is an international journalist and author with a background in American Culture Studies from Warsaw University. She is the chief editor of the Central and Eastern Europe Center and president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression. Born in Warsaw and currently residing in the Netherlands, Beata has roots in Lviv, Ukraine and has Armenian heritage.
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