Haxhi Beu Hammam
The Haxhi Beu Hammam in Peja is Kosovo’s oldest surviving bathhouse—built in the late 15th century by a city governor, its domed chambers and stone walls preserve the Ottoman ritual of cleansing, community, and architectural grace.
The Story
The Haxhi Beu Hammam was commissioned by Haxhi Bey, the Ottoman governor of Peja, as a public bathhouse serving both hygienic and social functions. Constructed between 1462 and 1485, it features five lead-covered domes with openwork ventilation, a typical design for kurshumli hammams named for their lead roofing.
The bathhouse includes separate chambers for hot, warm, and cold bathing, with stone benches, vaulted ceilings, and a central heating system. It was part of a larger civic ensemble that included the nearby Bulla-Zadeja-Hasan Mosque, built in 1587.
The hammam ceased operation around 1904, when Peja lost its status as a regional capital. Over the 20th century, it suffered neglect and partial damage, but local efforts preserved its core structure. Restoration campaigns in the 2000s stabilized the building and adapted it for cultural use.
Today, the Haxhi Beu Hammam hosts exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs. It stands as a testament to Peja’s Ottoman urbanism and the enduring value of communal architecture. Its survival is credited to local activism and international heritage support.
Insider Tips
Last update
Nov 30, 2025
Admission: Free during exhibitions; closed outside event hours
Photography: Allowed; best captured during daylight or cultural events
Open Hours: Varies by exhibition schedule; check with Peja Tourism Office
Alternate Names: Hamami i Vjetër, Kurshumli Hammam, Hamam Hadži-bega
Getting There: Located on Ramiz Sadiku Street, near the Bulla-Zadeja-Hasan Mosque and Old Bazaar
