The kullas
Stone and wooden balconies.
Sali Shoshi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sali Shoshi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sali Shoshi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Seferaliqkaj — CC BY-SA 4.0
Junik is a small town in western Kosovo at the foot of the Prokletije mountains, known for its kullas, fortified stone family houses in the traditional Albanian style. The town blends heritage and tourism, as many of these houses have been restored and some are open to visitors. Junik appears in an Ottoman register of 1485 as Lunik, with 52 households. A kulla is a family house of two or three storeys, with thick stone walls, small windows on the lower floors and wooden balconies above. One of the best known in town dates from 1860, is still home to the same family generations later, and takes in guests. You walk quiet streets between stone walls and tall houses with red tiled roofs, with green mountains behind. Some kullas serve traditional food, and visitors sit in the upper room around the hearth, as families once lived. The area is also known for its trout. Visoki Dečani Monastery is about 8 km away in a straight line, and Gjakova about 16 km. These are lived-in homes, so ask before entering or taking photos, and book ahead if you want to stay overnight.
Stone and wooden balconies.
Behind the town.
Traditional, by the hearth.
Junik, western Kosovo
Yes, some take guests, so book ahead.
Yes, it is about 8 km away.