 The city of Gjakova is located in the west of Kosovo, on the Plain of Dukagjin. The municipality is bordered in the east by Kosovos largest river, Drini i Bardhe, and the Albanian Alps on the border to Albania in the west. The city has roots dating from ancient times and a rich cultural heritage reminds of its long history. Many old buildings were damaged during the war in 1998-1999, and much of the old town burnt down. An airport next to the town Gjakova is a more recent development. The Planungsgruppe 4 has, in close cooperation with the municipal authorities, local partners and international experts, prepared a Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and an Urban Development Plan (UDP) for the next 15 years. After a thorough analysis of the situation and different development scenarios, development plans for the municipality and its major urban centre were made. |
The MDP places an emphasis on the protection of the natural and cultural heritage. Zones for the protection of the forests and the rivers are defined, and construction outside of the urban zones is restricted. Development is concentrated to the city of Gjakova, a number of secondary centres equally spread over the municipality and a commercial zone connected to the airport.
The town of Gjakova has a concentric urban structure. The oldest buildings are found in the centre and newer has been built in circles around it. The UDP continues the tradition with the completion of the last outer circle. Green areas around the rivers and on Gjakovas local mountain Cabrati forms one more circle around the town. Green corridors connect this outer recreational zone with the inner city.