CASTLES AND PLACES

Novo Brdo Fortress

Novo Brdo Fortress is a medieval fortress in Kosovo. Its ruins are located near the town of Novo Brdo, about 40 kilometres east of Pristina. Novo Brdo was famous for its silver. Together with the castles of Prizren, 12 kilometres to the southwest, and Prilepac, 13 kilometres to the southeast, which guard access roads to the fortress, Novo Brdo helped form a defensive complex overlooking the lucrative mining operations.

Systematic archaeological research of the site began in 1952. In 1948, during the Yugoslav era, the fortress of Novo Brdo was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance.

Novo Brdo Mines

Novo Brdo’s mining history is a tapestry woven with centuries of significance. Dating back to the medieval era, this region was renowned for its mines, which produced valuable silver and lead ore. These resources held such importance that the medieval rulers minted their own coins from the precious metals extracted here. Novo Brdo’s mines were a source of wealth and power, attracting merchants, artisans, and travelers from far and wide, creating a bustling hub of commerce and culture. The mining heritage of Novo Brdo, with its intricate network of tunnels and its impact on the medieval world, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this historic town, preserving the tales of labor, prosperity, and innovation that once thrived beneath its surface.

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church, known as the Latin Church or the Saxon Church is an old Roman Catholic church built in the 13th century, near Mitrovica in Kosovo.

The church was built by Saxon miners and Catholic merchants from the maritime cities. Intended to serve the Catholic community needs, it was firstly mentioned in 1303, in conjunction with the town of Trepça. In the 21st century the church is almost entirely in ruins and only the old part of the perimeter walls remains. The only wall standing is the main part of eastern wall, with three apses. The building is of the basilica type, while the shape and construction of the walls is indicative of Byzantine influence.

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MUSEUM OF MITROVICA

The Museum of Mitrovica was founded in 1952 and is one of the earliest cultural institutions in the City of Mitrovica. The museum was established for research, collection, preservation and promotion of the material cultural heritage of the Mitrovica region. Initially, the museum was located in the old building of the municipality, and in 1960 it continued its work and activity in the building of the City Hammam.

Since 2009 the museum operates in the building of the former Yugoslav Army House in Mitrovica.

In the beginning of its activity, the Museum of Mitrovica was enriched with the collection of fossils. During this period, archeological excavations began in several localities in Mitrovica, excavations that resulted in thousands of archaeological finds, and the rest of the collection was enriched by the work and commitment of professional staff in the office with the founder of this institution, the first director of the museum, Mr. Sylejman Murati.

The museum has the following sectors and collections: Archeology Sector, Ethnology Sector, History Sector, Geology Sector and Fossil Collection, Numismatics Collection, Photo Library, various materials and documents, as well as the Multimedia Hall as an interactive approach for visitors and the community.