So, I'm looking around Pristina, Kosovo for interesting things to see and like many of my trips I overheard someone talking about a battle and a historian who was willing to provide a tour and narration so I asked if I could come along. I had no idea the site or battle existed and I’ve become interested in exploring history and it’s sites so I figured, why not. Some of us loaded ourselves into a few vehicles and drove out to a historical site known as The Battle of Kosovo, also known as the Battle of Kosovo Field or the Battle of Blackbird’s Field (Serbian: Косовска битка, Бој на Косову; Kosovska bitka; Boj na Kosovu; Turkish: Kosova Meydan Savaşı). The war was between the Serbs and invading Ottoman empire and both armies suffered huge losses. The Ottomans ended up winning and controlling the area due to forces in the east they ultimately sent into the area.
The day I went over was cold and windy and the historian that met us provided some background information which I barely recall as I found myself exploring the site rather than listening. When you enter it’s apparent the site is old and in disrepair but still remains due to the construction materials, which are stone.
The site itself overlooks Pristina and is on high ground as I think originally it had some strategic significance. Anyhow, the signs and placards are all in Serbian or Albanian and I had no idea what was on them but I took some photos nevertheless. I was able to enter through an open door that someone left unlocked or it perhaps it could not be locked. The staircase to the top winds around the interior until you reach an exit onto the roof. This area on top offers an excellent vantage point and perhaps the tower was at least designed for this purpose. I was indeed able to see quite a distance and for an army watching for the enemy the tower is a great tool for advanced warning.
The surrounding area is very windy so when it's cold you probably won't stay on the top of the tower without a heavy jacket. I wasn't on the top long before I decided to make my way to the bottom, snap a couple photos and wander over to the vehicles to depart. Oddly enough despite the lack of tourists there was a guard at the gate when we entered and he was still there when we left. I was told he guards the place during the day year round. I’m not sure why as the whole place is in somewhat of a state of disrepair and largely unmaintained. But, Kosovo is a new country and perhaps the economics at the present time preclude allocating funds for the site. That may change in the future, who knows.
he guide did indicate that periodically, groups come out and have a picnic and occasionally politicians will use the place as a focal point to rally the population. So, it's used on occasion even if it goes largely unused by the locals. I’m not sure if I’ll ever return but at least I can say I was there.
Wizard of Where
