The National Library of Kosovo is often branded as one of the ugliest buildings in the world. In some peoples’ eyes, this may be true. However, we also think it is one of the most beautiful.
Even if you only have a few hours in Pristina, you will almost certainly pay the library a visit. It is one of the city’s most iconic buildings – a masterpiece of brutalism that adorns postcards and guidebooks of Kosovo’s capital.
The library has certainly been a highlight of our visits to Pristina. From our favourite photographs to our thoughts on the building’s fascinating interior, here is a short guide to visiting the National Library of Kosovo.
About the National Library of Kosovo
The National Library stands as part of the campus of the University of Pristina. As an institution, the National Library of Kosovo dates back to 1944 when it was founded in nearby Prizren. However, its current Pristina headquarters is now an undisputed symbol of the city.
The current library is a little over 40 years old. Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjaković designed the building, which opened to the public in 1982. It is an enticing mix of concrete cubes, metal cages and myriad rooftop domes that needs to be seen to be believed.
A blend of styles
The library boasts 99 domes, dotted across its roof in varying sizes. These white domes are said to represent the traditional Albanian plis – white, round hats that are a symbol of Albanian national identity. It’s unlikely that you will spot anyone wearing a plis when wandering Pristina’s central boulevards. However, you may spot older gentlemen wearing them in towns and cities outside of Pristina, or in neighbourhoods of Pristina with an older population.
The library’s domes combine with the cubes to create a design that is intended to blend Byzantine and Ottoman styles. Alongside the domes, the library’s most unique architectural feature is its striking metal caging. Combined together, it creates a fascinating Brutalist masterpiece.
Inside, the library contains a 150-seat amphitheatre for lectures and discussions. There are also reading rooms with enough capacity for hundreds of readers and students. And, of course, the library holds hundreds of thousands of books, newspapers and magazines.
Outside the National Library of Kosovo
For many visitors to Pristina, the National Library of Kosovo is one of the architectural highlights of the city. We were no exception.
It’s hard to avoid staring at the library as you wander along the now-pedestrianised George Bush Boulevard. The concrete cubes, criss-crossed metal cage and copious white domes demand your attention.
We returned to the library time and time again during our visits to Pristina. Whilst it is a sight to behold at all times of day, we think the library is at its best during sunset. This is when shadows become longer, the crowds have disappeared, and the library’s infamous exterior is at its most eye-catching.
Read next: How to explore the beautiful Prizren Fortress.
Some of our favourite photos from outside the library
From wide-angle views of the building to close-up shots of the metal caging, here are some of our favourite photos of the National Library of Kosovo.
Inside the National Library of Kosovo
Whilst the National Library of Kosovo’s spellbinding exterior design tends to grab all the attention, it is worth wandering inside. Head up the shallow steps and wander through the doors.
Inside, we were struck by the silence. It was late afternoon – a handful of students and staff milled around, but the building felt otherwise empty. Our footsteps echoed with each stride.
To the right of the entrance, we saw the American Corner, adorned with the flag of the USA. Such features are commonplace in the region – a nod to the significant American presence across the Balkans over the last few decades.
Beyond the American Corner, the building opened out to a grand central atrium. Light streamed through the domes high above, bouncing off the glistening body of a sleek black grand piano that stood in the middle of the floor.
Short staircases led to the higher floors. Muted colours dominated the walls and floors – different shades of grey, brown and pastel which somehow seemed to perfectly match the age and style of the building.
Read next: 10 fantastic things to do in Gjakova.
How to visit the National Library of Kosovo
Location: The library stands in the heart of Pristina. For visitors to the city, it will prove almost impossible to miss it. From the statue of Skënderbeu, walk straight down Mother Teresa Boulevard. Head straight on to join George Bush Boulevard – the National Library of Kosovo is on your left. Click here for the walking route to the library from the statue of Skënderbeu.
More information: Click here for more information on the National Library of Kosovo as an institution. The website does not appear to be frequently updated. However, there is a wealth of articles and information to browse.
Entry: The National Library of Kosovo is free to enter. You can walk through the doors and stroll in without a problem.
Opening times: The National Library of Kosovo is open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 7am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Some notes on photos and dogs
The best photo spot: We don’t think there is one particular spot that is best for photographing the National Library of Kosovo. So much of it depends on the time of day that you arrive, and the weather conditions. At sunrise and sunset, the long shadows create delightful patterns on multiple sides of the building – have a walk around and decide what suits the conditions. However, if you want to get a classic birds-eye shot of the library, you should head to the tower of the Church of Saint Mother Teresa. From here, you can enjoy wonderful views of the library and across the rest of the city.
A note on dogs: There is a small park next to the National Library of Kosovo. A handful of paths crisscross the short, unkempt grass. The unfinished Christ the Saviour Serbian Cathedral stands in the middle of this grass. Whilst it can be tempting to explore off the paths and check out the entrance to the cathedral, you should be aware that there is often a pack of stray dogs nearby. These dogs can get territorial and aggressive if you try to approach the cathedral – be careful. However, you should be fine if you stick to the paths.
Read next: How to spend a day in Pristina.
The National Library of Kosovo: our final thoughts
Is it the ugliest building in the world? Possibly. Is it one of our favourite buildings of all time? Absolutely.
No matter how long you spend in Pristina, you will almost certainly go to the library. The exterior is amazing, and you could easily spend a huge chunk of your visit wandering around and admiring the outside.
However, we think it’s worth carving out some time to wander inside the library. The domes are just as impressive when viewed from within, and it’s a fascinating place to stroll around. It will, undoubtedly, be a highlight of your trip to Pristina.