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Stage 2: Peja to Prizren

Decan

Decan town is home to one of the most imposing sights on the cycle route: the Decani Monastery. Located in the forests of the Decan Canyon, the Monastery was built in the 14th Century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, partly due to the preservation of the 14th Century frescoes. The monastery is currently home to 30 Serbian Orthodox monks who carry out various activities including wood carving, icon painting and book publishing in order to preserve the old traditions of the site. This is not the only thing Decan is famous for. The town itself was home to Ramush Haradinaj. A leading commander of the KLA, Haradinaj became Prime Minister in 2004 but was forced to abdicate after only 100 days.

If you're feeling peckish there are several cafés on the main square, as well as the Gryka e Decanit on the road to the monastery which serves fish from the local river. For something cheap and cheerful try Hotel Jerina, where you can get a pizza for two Euros, served on the terrace outside.

As you continue your ride towards Gjakove you will pass the Shabanaj Mill. This traditional water mill was damaged during the war, but restored in 2004 and now houses the Jeta Women's Association, who make and sell various handicrafts and souvenirs.

Gjakovë

Somewhat larger than most of the towns you have passed through so far, Gjakovë is almost halfway between Peja and Prizren, and home to some of the best restaurants in Kosovo. It is also one of the most religiously diverse towns in the country, with 20% of the population practicing Catholicism, and seven different Dervish tekkes (religious buildings).

Within the Çarshia, you can find the Hadum Mosque. Built in 1595 this is the only mosque in the town which has not been restored or altered. Take a look at the ornate gravestones while you're here.

For a bite to eat with a side of history, try Hani Haracise. A café for the last 50 years, the building has existed for over 200. Reasonable prices and a courtyard setting add to the appeal. For a view, head up the hill to Restaurant Illiricum. Very popular in summer, especially with Kosovars who live abroad and are visiting home for thewedding season, the outdoor terrace is bound to be full of life. Inside there's also a small display of traditional crafts. For local dishes at very reasonable prices, and in an attractive setting, go for Restaurant Te Jupave.

8km out of town, on the road to Prizren, you will pass the Ura e Terzive - the Tailor's Bridge. With its eleven arches, the bridge dates from the 15th Century, and was repaired in the 18th , as shown in the Turkish stone inscription. Further along the same road is the 18th Century Ura e Fshejt bridge. The Gorge below is called Drini i Bardh, and is home to an annual jumping competition!

Prizren

There's lots to see in this historic town including the multi-domed old Turkish baths, and the mostly derelict Serbian Quarter up the hill from the town centre. The Sinan Pasha Mosque dominates the town centre, and contains some impressive wall paintings dating from 1561, and Prizren Castle is also worth a look, if only for the view you'll get over the town. If you'd rather take it easy, you can sit and watch the world go by in one of the many coffee shops on the cobbled main square - Shadervan Square - where the central fountain is safe to drink from.

For dinner, head to the centre of town and you'll find plenty of qebaptore - barbecue restaurants. Prizren is famous all over Kosovo for these restaurants, where your dinner is cooked right in front of you! Ambienti Restaurant is good if you want to combine your dinner with a nice view of the town. There are also many bakeries dotted around the town if you feel like treating yourself.

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The Map

Distance

Distance	Section	Cumulative
Peja
Decan	15 km	15 km
Gjakove	22 km	37 km
Prizren	36 km	73 km

Images