Gračanica Lake, Pristina

The artificial dam sits on the Gračanica River, notable for its position two kilometres above Gračanica. This dam was built between 1963 and 1966 to supply Pristina with water. It was raised in the Badovc gorge, beneath Mount Andrevac, near the Kishnica mine. The dam is 52 metres tall and 246 metres wide. Once the lake is full, it stretches to 3.5 kilometres long and 500 metres wide, with a deepest point of 30 metres. The lake holds a total volume of 26 million cubic metres of water.

During construction, the Serbian settlements of Novo Selo in the lake area and Badovc beneath the dam were evacuated. The old Church of St Michael and the Novo Selo cemetery remain as relics of the area.

The Gračanica Reservoir: An Engineering Landmark

The artificial dam on the Gračanica River is a notable landmark reflecting remarkable architectural engineering and the importance of water-supply infrastructure for the surrounding areas. Here’s a summary of the key information about this dam:

Location and infrastructure:

• The dam sits on the Gračanica River, notable for its elevated position two kilometres above the river’s surface, making it an important facility for supplying water.
• The dam was built between 1963 and 1966 to supply water to Pristina, the capital and largest city in Kosovo.
• The dam sits in the Badovc gorge beneath Mount Andrevac, not far from the Kishnica mine.

Technical specifications:

• The dam is 52 metres tall and 246 metres wide.
• Once the lake is full, it stretches to 3.5 kilometres long and 500 metres wide, with a deepest point of 30 metres.
• The lake’s total volume is 26 million cubic metres of water, reflecting its capacity to meet the region’s water needs.

Historic and cultural impact:

• During construction, the Serbian settlements of Novo Selo in the area were evacuated, reflecting the sacrifices made to build the dam and supply water.
• The old Church of St Michael and the Novo Selo cemetery remain as relics of the area, adding to the dam’s historic and cultural significance.

In short, the artificial dam on the Gračanica River represents not just remarkable engineering, but also an important element in supplying water and developing infrastructure in the region.