Orthodox Church

Saint George Orthodox Church

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.

Getting There

📍 Getting There: Located in Prizren's old town, near the Bistrica River and the Marash neighborhood. A minute's walk from Shadervan Square.

🕒 Open Hours: Typically 09:00-17:00; closed during private liturgies.

♿ Accessibility: Paved courtyard. Courtyard wheelchair accessible; steps at the church entrance.

Loacally Know as

Kisha Ortodokse Shën Xhorxhit

Sacred Architecture & Interfaith Researcher

Blerta Hoti

Insider tips

Access tip: Often locked; ask the caretaker at the Bishop's Palace nearby.
Dress code: Modest dress required.
Photography: Exterior allowed; interior restricted during services.

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.