Sights · Our pick
The Painted Mosque (Šarena Džamija)
Painted inside and out
Tetovo’s 15th-century mosque on the Pena, covered inside and out in painted florals.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Vaurien · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Makedonski biseri · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Makedonski biseri · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 3
About The Painted Mosque (Šarena Džamija)
Tetovo’s Šarena Džamija, the “colourful mosque”, was founded in the 15th century and, unusually, paid for by two sisters from the town, whose octagonal tomb stands in the courtyard. In the 19th century it was rebuilt and painted by masters from Debar, and today every surface, inside and out, is covered in floral patterns and painted panels. It stands beside the river Pena, near an old stone bridge, so pair it with the Arabati Baba Tekke, a short walk away. Dress modestly, remove your shoes at the door and avoid prayer times.
Our take
- Painted floral walls
- Founded by two sisters
- By an old stone bridge
- Address
- Tetovo, the Balkans
- Our city guide
- On our Skopje guide
- Price guide
- € (sights price guide)
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Painted Mosque (Šarena Džamija) before you go.
Last checked: October 2026 How we choose
Location
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