- ADDING A MUSEUM TO YOUR BUCKET LIST -

Wide eyes, drooping jaw, hand covering mouth…Yeah, you will remember me once you enter the building of the “Museum of Kosovo”!

As you read through this blog, you will explore the archaeological sector of the museum together with me. You will get insight into the oldest cultural and historical institution, which must be on your next travel itinerary.

Open in 1949, this museum was a military headquarters before it became a center for culture and history. The object is located in the center of Prishtina. My eyebrows raised from the magnificent view of the museum especially when I saw the specific architectural style and the collection of archeological pieces of art from various eras. Fascinating!

The Early Neolithic working tools, such as Altars and Terracotta, were made from trim animal nails. I gasped and stepped back when the guide told me of this. I had never heard of such a thing before. I was shocked.

Keeping eyes forward, staring, we continued our walk to “The Goddess of the Throne'', the symbol of the city of Pristina. This figurine was found at the site of the Tjerrtorja spinning mill in Prishtina, and it represents a female deity. I got goosebumps when I found out that circa 1247 Kosovan artifacts are kept in Serbia. I felt angry because they are our unique pieces. “The Goddess of the Throne'' was returned to Kosovo in 2004.

When speaking of the Early Neolithic, the dead bodies were buried the same as the baby's position in the mother's womb. I could see my friend’s pale face. She froze for a moment.

Seeing and analyzing some of the pieces from other eras, “The Runner of Prizren” caught my eyes. The guide explained that it is the most famous artifact that Kosovo has abroad. I pushed up my cheeks because I was thinking of how people visiting the British Museum would be aware of Kosovo’s archeological collection.

On the other side was "The Probus Medallion" which has its interesting elements. Its color looked like those fresh chestnuts when they fall.

When we moved to the Dardanian Antiquity section, a big carved relief looked amazing. It showed a funeral procession scene, a man’s coffin followed by his wife. This engrave funerary scene is a creation modeled during the Classical Period and was discovered in the Kamenica area. As I was staring at it, my eyes widened. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was just magical.

Walking towards tombs, my heart started pounding faster, I could feel my drained face, my stomach lurching. Within “The tomb constructed out of bricks” and “The Lead Sarcophagus” were found grave goods and other pieces. On the other side of that section, some statues were standing, which I couldn’t resist taking pictures of.

After that, we continued to the Roman Period, which for me remains the most interesting part. Lacrimaria or glass ‘tear-catchers’ was a tool that was used to fill with tears if somebody died. If you could fill the largest one with tears, that meant that you loved the person very much. I thought of my grandfather for a moment, and my lips trembled.

I was wondering why I didn't visit this museum before. This experience was much needed, especially the knowledge that I gained. As I was stepping out of the doors, my body felt good, my eyes sparkled, and I could feel the good feeling in my veins.

Now, I welcome you to take a look at the photos below!