Historical documents show that Prizren was developed and spread around the two banks of the Lumbardhi, which divides the northern part of the city from the southern. The river acted as the main artery for development, and its rapidly flowing water contributed to the cleanliness of the city. The riverbanks are the biggest public spaces within the historic center of Prizren. They have been used in multiple ways throughout the years: in the 1970s, high waters allowed people to swim from the banks, and more recently, in the past twenty years, the banks have hosted cultural activities and festivals.