Bus from AUGSBURG to PRIZREN

Augsburg

Since its foundation by the Roman Emperor Augustus between 15 BC and 8 BC, Augsburg is the crossroads for the most important traffic connections on the continent. Augsburg also owed its great importance to this privileged position in the Middle Ages. The wealthy Fugger family and sea-trading Welser family gave Augsburg reputation of the world city, of the city of the emperors, which was famous for its painters, sculptors and musicians.

Augsburg is the third largest city in Bavaria, mainly a university town, the seat of the government of Swabia, and a major economic center with internationally renowned companies offering state-of-the-art computer technology and electronics.

If you are in Augsburg, you can visit the following:

The Augsburg Town Hall - the landmark of the city's richest citizens: the Augsburg Town Hall is one of the most important Renaissance buildings north of the Alps and is one of the most impressive city halls in Germany. Together with the Perlachturm it is the landmark of the city of Augsburg. Because of its historical importance, it is under consideration of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflicts.

Augsburg  Oldtown - Shopping and exploring in a Mediterranean atmosphere: It is almost like visiting Italy. The Augsburg Oldtown radiates Mediterranean flair. Narrow streets and squares invite you to take a stroll, while on the other hand there are many captivating small restaurants or cafes. There are no large department stores, but only small shops, tanneries, jewelry stores or galleries. If you’re looking for a place to rest, the old town of Augsburg is the right place for you. This is not a coincidence - it is free of transit traffic. Constant companions on the stroll through the Old Town are the Lech canals, which speaks volumes about the importance of water for Augsburg.

The Golden Hall : The Golden Hall is one of the highlights of the interior design of the Renaissance in Germany. He takes its name from the rich gold jewelery that decorates its interior. Originally, the splendid ceiling of the hall was hung with 27 chains on the wooden truss. Today it is attached to a steel stone ceiling. The cover is covered with gold leaf (231/2 carats). The Golden Hall is located on the second floor of the Augsburg Town Hall and is 14 meters high. In 1944 it was completely destroyed, but after a 17-year restoration,  he was finally completed in 1996.

Fuggerei - the oldest social settlement in the world is in Augsburg: This oldest existing social settlement in the world was founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger for the innocently impoverished Augsburg citizens and it was built between 1514 and 1523. It consists of 67 houses with 140 apartments, a church and administrative buildings. The annual rent is still only 0,88€ (formerly a Rheinischer Gulden). Three prayers daily for the souls of the founder family are an integral part of the tenancy agreement.

The Pearl Tower: With its 70 meters, the Pearl Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Augsburg. In 989 it was built as a watchtower. At that time it was not even half as high as today. In the course of the centuries it experienced numerous transformations. In 1526 it was increased to 63 meters. Shortly thereafter, the tower received a clockwork with a bell. When Elias Holl, the city master builder, rebuilt the city hall, he also placed his hand on the pearl tower. Thus, from 1612 to 1618, it got its present appearance withits columns, roof, and the figure of the city goddess Cisa.

Today is rather controversial where the name "Pearl" comes from. There are three theories, but since none of the three theories are historically documented, the origin of the name will remain a secret forever.

Augsburg has so much to offer and you will not be sorry because you can find pleasure in this center of the historical treasury.

Prizren, often reffered to as Czar’s City - a name that has its origin in the very founding of the city, is the second largest city in now independent Kosovo after Pristina due to its population numbering 180000 citizens. Nevertheless, no other town on Kosovo and wider can surpass Prizren and its rich history, combined with the beautiful nature of the Shar Mountains and nearby ski resort Brezovica, which leave a lasting impression on every visitor and the yearning to come back.

Prizren flourished in the Illyrian times, when it was of great importance due to its position at the crossroads of the Balkan peninsula, which became a perfect settling ground for numerous empires throughout the history, such as Byzantine and Ottoman empire, whose cultural and architectural influence is still evident in the cityscape, particularly around the Shadervan Square, the most distinctive part of the city.

Despite being the center of conquest of many, Prizren is regarded as the best preserved town when it comes to its cultural heritage. During the Kosovo War in 1998/1999, the bombing attacks haven’t done much damage, but the ethnical structure, which up to the war consisted of the communion of Serbs and Albanians, changed significantly as the aftermath of the war, when local Serbs migrated to the surrounding countries, leaving behind their charred houses of the Serbian Quarter.

Today, Prizren is praised for its diversity and valuable remnants of its history which attract tourist from all over the world.

The starting point for those visiting Prizren should be Shadervan Square, a historical cobbled square featuring the fountain in the middle which is as old as the square itself. It is separated from the rest of the city by the Old Stone Bridge above river Bistrica, which dates from the 16th century and is considered to be an entrance to the Shadervan. The square is always swarming with people thanks to its countless pubs, restaurants, cafes, etc., and is the favorite gathering point for both locals and visitors.

The most important sightseeing attraction in Prizren is the Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš, which, like all other orthodox churches in Prizren, is closed to the public, unless one gets approval to visit in the Church of St. George. The church was placed under UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list in the aftermath of the unrest in 2004 caused by the Albanian population. While the process of getting the approval can prove to be a daunting task, it will be worth doing, as the church hides some magnificent wall paintings and the frescos which are currently being restored.

The best place to have a panoramic view over Prizren would be the Church of the Holy Savior in the Potkaljaja region, which during the peacefull times was under the care of Šemić family. It was built in the 14th century by Mladen Vladojević, and due to its significance it was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1990. This terracota church was left unfinished in the 19th century as the church has suffered a sigificant damage in the fire in the same century. Today, it has two domed towers.  The church was also damaged during the unrest in March 2004, when it was placed under the protection of KFOR.

The Gazi Mehmet Pasha Hammam, primarily used as a public bath, is an exceptional building with two large and nine smaller domes, divied into men's and women's section, Buing built in th 16th century, this building is of great cultural, as well as historical and architectural importance, for which is highly praised as the most valuable hammams in Europe. Nowadays, it hosts numerous art exibitions.

The largest mosque in the city, the Mosque of Sinan Pasha, was built during the time of Ottoman Empire. The interior of the mosque fascinates visitors with its floral decorations and numerous ornaments of flora and fauna on its 2-meters thick walls, which are reminiscent of the baroque style. The mosque also has a spacious library containt books from different periods and interesting contents.

Apart from its cultural diversiry, Prizren has a lot to offer for those who would like to explore the gastronomy of this ancient city. For those who have a sweet tooth, traditional desserts like tullumba and baklava, similar in taste, are a must-try, while does who have more sophisticated palate can enjoy in the subtle taste of the Shar cheese combined with grilled meat and a glass of wine.