Orthodox Church of Saint George

The Orthodox Church of Saint George is Prizren’s spiritual anchor. Built between 1856 and 1887, it serves as the cathedral of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Raška and Prizren, embodying centuries of faith, resilience, and architectural grace in the heart of the old city.

Insider Tips

Access Tip: Often locked; ask the caretaker at the Bishop's Palace nearby.

Dress Code: Modest dress required.

Restoration: Note the contrast between restored frescoes and traces of 2004 fire damage.

Directions: 2-minute walk from Shadervan Square, behind stone walls.

Photography: Allowed in outdoor areas; restricted inside during services

Alternate Names: Cathedral of Saint George, Katedralja e Shën Gjergjit, Саборна црква Светог Ђорђа

Getting There: Located in Prizren’s old town, near the Bistrica River and Marash neighborhood; walkable from all central landmarks

Accesibility Notes

Open Hours: Typically 09:00–17:00; closed during private liturgies

Terrain: Paved courtyard.

Wheelchair: Courtyard accessible; steps at church entrance.

Location: Prizren City Center (Shadervan area).

Last update

Jan 11, 2026

The Story

The Cathedral of Saint George was built during the late Ottoman period, funded by Serbian Orthodox merchants and craftsmen in Prizren. It replaced the Church of the Theotokos of Ljeviš as the main cathedral after the latter was converted into a mosque. The construction spanned over three decades, culminating in 1887.

The church features radiant stone walls, a three-nave interior, and a rich iconostasis typical of Orthodox ecclesiastical design. It has served as a spiritual center for the Serbian Orthodox community in Kosovo and remains active in religious and cultural life.

During the 2004 unrest, the cathedral was damaged but later restored. It continues to host liturgies, religious holidays, and pilgrimages, and is protected as a registered cultural monument under Serbian heritage law.

The cathedral is often included in Prizren’s religious coexistence tours, alongside Catholic and Islamic landmarks. It stands as a testament to the city’s layered spiritual identity and the endurance of Orthodox tradition in Kosovo.