Peja (Peć) & the Rugova Canyon: Kosovo Guide
Peja (Peć) sits in western Kosovo at the foot of the mountains. The 13th-century Patriarchate of Peć, the Rugova Canyon, the Accursed Mountains and the old bazaar stand close together. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
Why is the Patriarchate of Peć on the UNESCO list?
The Patriarchate of Peć is the medieval spiritual centre of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Its complex of four churches began in the first third of the 13th century and was expanded in 1321–1324 and 1330–1337. In 1346 Stefan Dušan moved the patriarchal seat here. UNESCO inscribed the monastery on 13 July 2006 as part of the 'Medieval Monuments in Kosovo' World Heritage Site and placed it on the List of World Heritage in Danger. It sits at the entrance of the Rugova Canyon beside the Peć Bistrica. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
What is in the Rugova Canyon and its via ferrata?
The Rugova Canyon runs west of Peja in the Albanian Alps near the Montenegrin border and has been protected since 1985. Wikivoyage describes it as a 25-km-long canyon with waterfalls, unexplored caves and mountain villages reaching 1,600 metres. The Lumbardhi i Pejës (Peć Bistrica) river flows through it. The via ferrata here, called the 'Iron Trail', is regarded as the first in the Balkans. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
What are the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna)?
The Accursed Mountains are called Bjeshkët e Nemuna in Albanian and Prokletije in Serbian; both names mean 'cursed mountains'. The range spans Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro and forms the southernmost part of the Dinaric Alps. Its highest point is Maja Jezercë at 2,694 metres, also the highest peak of the entire Dinaric Alps. The origin of the name is debated, and local legends offer several explanations. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
Gjeravica: where is the roof of Kosovo?
Gjeravica, at 2,656 metres, is officially the highest peak in Kosovo. Within the Accursed Mountains it is the second-highest point of the range after the 2,694-metre Jezercë, and it lies in western Kosovo within the municipality of Junik. The ascent is long and demanding, with glacial lakes scattered around it. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
What can you see in Peja's old bazaar and how to get there?
Peja's old bazaar (Çarshia e Gjatë) is known for its oriental architecture. Wikivoyage notes craftspeople such as plis makers (the Albanian felt cap), gown-makers and sixhade carpet weavers; a historic fountain stands at the centre of its best-preserved part. Buses from Pristina take about 1.5 hours and cost around 5 euros, with links to Prizren and Gjakova too. The nearest airport is Pristina, 65 km away. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
FAQ
How do you get to Peja?
Peja is in western Kosovo. According to Wikivoyage, buses from Pristina take about 1.5 hours and cost around 5 euros, with direct links to Prizren and Gjakova as well. The nearest airport is Pristina, 65 km away. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
Is the Rugova via ferrata suitable for everyone?
The via ferrata in the Rugova Canyon, called the 'Iron Trail', is considered the first in the Balkans and uses fixed steel cables and rungs to climb the rocks. It takes physical effort and is usually done with equipment and a guide. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)