National Library of Kosovo – Is this the Ugliest Building in the World? 

If you’re visiting Pristina, then you have to add the National Library of Kosovo to your itinerary.

This controversial building, which appears caged, evokes mixed emotions in visitors.

Some say it’s pretty, yet it’s often voted as one of the most unattractive buildings on earth. 

At first, I hated this building. But its unique design slowly grew on me. In the end, I fell in love with it due to its powerful symbolism.

As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So, you’ll just have to visit and decide for yourself. 

Here is why you must visit the National Library of Kosovo, the so-called ugliest building in the world!

National Library of Kosovo history 

The Pjetër Bogdani National Library of Kosovo is the most important institution in the country.

Its purpose is to promote and preserve Kosovar history and culture. 

When the library was founded in 1944, it was housed in Prizren, the former capital. The collection was later moved to Pristina near the university. 

The building was constructed in 1982 and designed by Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjaković. 

The full name honours Pjetër Bogdani, who was a famous Albanian writer.

During the Yugoslavian War, it was used to house refugees who were fleeing Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia. 

Later, the Yugoslav army used this building as a base, and thousands of priceless items were stolen or destroyed.  

Once Kosovo gained independence, the library was re-established and reopened to the public. 

Today, it houses over 2 million items on Kosovo, including books, maps and magazines. 

Is this the ugliest building in the world?

The design of this unique building has caused a fair amount of controversy over the years. 

In fact, it frequently gets voted as one of the ugliest buildings in the world!

But I think this is unfair as it’s actually one of the most fascinating things to look at and learn about. 

On the surface, it looks austere. But when you learn about Mutnjaković’s inspirations for its design, things start to make a lot more sense. 

The glass domes represent Ottoman and Islamic influence, whereas the metal nets represent Byzantine history.

Many people say these metal boxes look like cages, which could be a nod to Kosovo being a prisoner fighting for independence. 

The Illyrian Spiral is the logo for the library, and this symbolises Albanian heritage.

Ultimately, it’s a temple of knowledge with many puzzle pieces. Together, they perfectly capture the bittersweet history of this newborn country.

Love it or hate it, you have to plan some time in your Pristina itinerary to visit.  

How to visit the National Library of Kosovo

The National Library of Kosovo can be found in the heart of the city, close to the Mother Theresa Cathedral. 

I found Pristina very compact and easy to walk around, and you can get here in just 10 minutes from Mother Theresa or Skanderbeg Square. 

There are local buses and taxi services that you can hail down too. But walking allows you to see more of this amazing city. 

Admire Brutalist Architecture 

Despite the controversy surrounding this library, it is a symbol of the city and draws in thousands of visitors each year. 

You really can’t leave Pristina without visiting, even if you just see the Brutalist architecture from the outside. 

I went back several times during my trip as I just loved how unapologetic it was.

It’s truly striking and makes an impact. Plus, the lush green park where it’s located was very peaceful. 

I found the best place to take photos was from a small incline that allows you to look down at the library. 

I visited at sunrise, and it was wonderful to see the sunlight slowly creep over the clouded domes and metal nets.

This park has plenty of photography locations, as you can see the Mother Theresa Cathedral and the unfinished Christ the Saviour Serbian Cathedral! 

Can tourists go inside the National Library of Kosovo?

Yes, anyone is welcome to go inside the Kosovo National Library, whether you’re a local or a tourist. 

Although most people take a quick photo of this iconic building, I think it’s well worth going inside.

The reading rooms are closed off to members, but you’re welcome to explore its public spaces. 

I have to admit, I was very intrigued as to what the library would be like. Would it really be as ‘ugly’ as people say? 

The grand atrium 

As soon as you walk up the staircase of the library, you’ll enter the lofty, grand atrium.

I gasped as it was just so stunning. It’s naturally lit by the glass domes, and the marble floor has a circular mosaic pattern. 

This was inspired by the Illyrian spiral, a symbol of the ancestors of Albanians, and is featured heavily throughout the building. 

What I loved is that the library is so open, and if you look up, you can see portraits of notable Kosovar’s including writers and politicians. 

Spiral rosettes line the mezzanine, and these were made by Simon Shiroka. These are meant to resemble Illyrian fibulae or Iron Age brooches.

This library is also used for cultural events. There are two reading rooms, a large amphitheatre and a meeting hall to cater for guests.

Although I couldn’t go inside, lots of the wooden furniture here was inspired by medieval monasteries in the area.

Patterned staircase 

Visitors are welcome to explore the second and third floors of the library, which you can access via stunning marble staircases. 

These stairs criss-cross from the atrium and, again, I loved the fact that it was open plan to appreciate details as you climb. 

The stone mosaics on the walls include Illyrian patterns and symbols from Andrija Mutnjaković’s sketches. 

Lit by the Ottoman-inspired glass domes, it really captures the complex history of Kosovo in one place! 

The unique design of these staircases also makes a fabulous photo opportunity, so have your camera ready. 

American Corner 

Lastly, before you leave the library, I recommend popping inside the American Corner. 

It’s a small room that aims to educate and promote American culture. 

Historically, the US was a key ally for Kosovo in gaining its independence from Serbia. 

That’s why you’ll find an American flag above a statue of Bill Clinton on Bill Clinton Avenue in Pristina!

Is the National Library of Kosovo worth visiting? 

Yes, I believe that visiting the National Library of Kosovo is one of the best things to do in Pristina. 

Although many people call it the ‘ugliest’ building in the world, I think it’s one of the most fascinating. 

I’m traditionally a Romantic and despise Brutalist buildings as they are hideous. But, for this structure, I made a rare exception.

Beyond the initial impact of its severe appearance, there are many layers to uncover that highlight the complexity of this hopeful young country. 

Even if you just observe the library from the outside, it’s well worth your time.

You must add this captivating temple of knowledge to your literary bucket list! 

Ticket prices and opening times

Visiting the National Library of Kosovo is completely FREE, so it makes a great budget activity in the city.

It’s open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am – 2 pm on Saturday. It’s completely closed on Sundays.

Are you looking for more things to do in Pristina?

Pristina is the fascinating capital city of Kosovo, and there is plenty to do here to keep you occupied.

After you visit the library, I recommend visiting the Mother Theresa Cathedral. 

Entry to the cathedral is free, but you can pay to visit the bell tower by elevator (no stairs, hooray) for €2. 

From here, you get incredible views of the city and the National Library of Kosovo.

After, you can head to Mother Theresa Square via the New Born Monument and later Skanderberg Square.

There are a few museums you can visit, including the Kosovo Museum and the Ethnographic Museum.

Pristina is famous for its coffee culture, and there is a café on almost every street corner. 

My favourite was Soma Book Station, which is perfect for book lovers!

If you have the time, I also recommend planning half a day out to visit the Pristina Bear Sanctuary and Gračanica Monastery. 

Or, you can visit Prizren, which ended up being my favourite place in Kosovo. 

This city is small, but incredibly charming. It’s also only an hour away by bus. 

You can stroll along the river, have brunch at Prince House Coffee and climb up to the fortress for breathtaking views.

Read more of my Kosovo guides

Magical Things to do in Prizren, Kosovo

Save visiting the National Library of Kosovo for later!