Sinan Pasha Mosque

The largest and most prominent mosque in Prizren, dominating the historic Shadërvan Square with its massive central dome and tall minaret.

Insider Tips

Admission: Free; respectful attire required

The View: Best photo from the Stone Bridge or Prizren Fortress.

Controversy: Built in 1615 using stones allegedly from the Monastery of the Holy Archangels.

Etiquette: Modest dress; no entry during prayer times.

Directions: At the foot of the hill leading to the Prizren Fortress.

Photography: Allowed in outdoor areas; interior photography permitted outside of prayer times

Alternate Names: Xhamia e Sinan Pashës, Sinan Pasha Mosque, Prizren

Getting There: Located beside Shadërvan Square and the Stone Bridge; walkable from all major Prizren landmarks

Accesibility Notes

Open Hours: Daily (Closed during prayer times).

Terrain: Flat, paved square.

Wheelchair: Approach is accessible; entry requires a few steps.

Location: Prizren City Center, adjacent to Shadërvan Square.

Last update

Jan 11, 2026

The Story

Commissioned in 1615 by Sofi Sinan Pasha, an Ottoman statesman and governor of Bosnia, the mosque was built using stones repurposed from the nearby Our Lady of Ljeviš church, which had been converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period. This act, while controversial, reflects the layered religious history of Prizren.

The mosque’s architecture features a large central dome, a single minaret, and a spacious prayer hall adorned with Qur’anic inscriptions, floral arabesques, and geometric motifs. Its interior is painted in soft hues of blue, red, and gold, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

Over the centuries, the mosque has remained an active place of worship and a symbol of Prizren’s Islamic heritage. It has undergone several restorations, most recently in the 2000s, with support from both local and international conservation bodies.

Today, the Sinan Pasha Mosque is not only a religious center but also a cultural icon—featured in countless photographs, postcards, and travel guides. Its riverside location and visual prominence make it a natural focal point for visitors exploring Prizren’s old town.