Kosovo's UNESCO Medieval Monuments: A Two-Day Route

All four UNESCO-listed medieval churches in two days: Graçanica, the Peja Patriarchate, Visoki Deçani and Our Lady of Ljeviš in Prizren, with Roman Ulpiana on the way. Graçanica Monastery. Start 10 km south of Prishtina. King Stefan Milutin built Graçanica in the early 14th century, and its five domes and patterned brickwork make it one of the finest medieval churches in the Balkans. Inside, the frescoes cover the walls from floor to dome. A bus toward Gjilan drops you here in about 15 minutes.. Graçanica Ulpiana Archaeological Park. A few minutes away lie the ruins of Ulpiana, a Dardanian settlement that became a Roman town under Emperor Trajan and flourished until an earthquake in 518 AD. Excavations show walls and streets from the Roman and Byzantine periods across about 35 hectares. Guided visits are available by appointment. After the visit, drive west to Peja.. Ulpiana The Peja Patriarchate. In the afternoon, visit the walled Patriarchate at the mouth of the Rugova Gorge. Its four connected churches were built between the 13th and 17th centuries, and frescoes cover every surface inside. Stay the night in Peja and walk the old bazaar in the evening.. Peja Patriarchate Visoki Deçani Monastery. Drive about 20 minutes south to Deçan. Founded in 1335, Visoki Deçani mixes Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine styles, and its interior holds more than a thousand original frescoes. The monastery is guarded by KFOR, so leave your passport or ID at the gate, and do not photograph soldiers or take photos inside. Allow 1 to 2 hours.. Visoki Deçani Our Lady of Ljeviš, Prizren. Finish in Prizren with the 14th-century church of Our Lady of Ljeviš, whose frescoes are among the most important Byzantine paintings in the region. It was badly damaged in 2004 and has since been largely restored. You may need to show ID at the gate. End the day with a walk through Prizren's old town and up to the fortress.. Our Lady of Ljeviš