Gracanica Monastery, Pristina

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Gracanica is a Serbian enclave outside of Pristina. It is probably the main attraction in the area because of it's famous monastery. The monastery was founded in 1321 by the Serbian king Stefan Milutin. It is one of the most famous monument in Kosovo.

After Kosovo war of 1999 the monastery became the national and political center of Serbian people in Kosovo.

Currently the monastery is a convent. It is the home of a community of nuns. Feel free to buy their produce during the visit. We found the quality of the honey outstanding and there are many kinds of it to chose from. There are several rooms for guests in the konak - but be prepared to face electric shortage. The monastery is protected by Swedish army contingent. I did not notice any sign of ethnic violence - in the fact, quite a few Kosovo Albanians visit the village of Gracanica for administrative errands.

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7 km outside of Pristina is Gracanica, a Serbian enclave which is home to one of the most important monasteries in the Serbian Orthodox church. Built in the 13th Century on the ruins of a 6th Century church, Gracanica Monastery contains some of the Orthodox churches oldest frescos. The monastery is beautiful and very much worth a visit.

The site is currently protected by Swedish KFOR and entrance is free.

This mastepiece of mideval architecture is not in Pristina itself, but in Gracanica - largest Serbian community in this part of Kosovo.

Built in 13th century by Serbian king Milutin Nemanjic, Gracanica monastery is on UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. Gracanica is well known for it's frescos (wallpaintings) and Byzantine construction style.

Monastery is located in the very center of Gracanica and is guarded by Swedish KFOR.