Pristina, Kosovo

National Library of Kosovo

The National Library of Kosovo in Pristina is one of the most talked-about buildings in the Balkans. Designed by the Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjaković and inaugurated in 1982, it is crowned by 99 domes of various sizes, and its entire exterior is wrapped in a metal lattice often compared to a fishing net.

The lattice-wrapped cubes and domes of the National Library of Kosovo, a visitor on its steps

About National Library of Kosovo

The architect described the design as a blend of Byzantine and Islamic forms, while others see it as a modern reinterpretation of regional building traditions. The building has drawn both admiration and ridicule over the years, even appearing on lists of the world’s ugliest buildings, which has only added to its fame.

Inside, skylights set in the domes bring natural light into a building that holds a collection of around two million items. Its unusual silhouette makes it one of the most recognisable sights in central Pristina and an essential stop on any walk through the city.

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