Skopje is the capital city of North Macedonia. It is the major economic, cultural and political center in the country, accompanied with a magnificent nature located at the center of Balkans amidst Belgrade and Athens.
The city was founded in the 3rd century B.C by the Paeonians and was named ‘Skupi’ back then. It has benefited greatly from its geostrategic location, situated on the banks of Vardar River within a valley between two hills that would become a crucial trade route in time. Visited by many people every year, Skopje has been home to many important states throughout the history. It has been integrated in Alexander the Great’s Kingdom, the Roman Empire, The Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia which gave the city a unique cultural mix. Today, Skopje is a cosmopolitan city, and home to people of many nationalities. Macedonia was the last region which got separated from the Ottoman Empire, thus the relics from the Ottoman era are still widely present especially in Skopje. The city is divided into two segments with the new modern Skopje situated in the West, while the old part comprising of the Old Bazar lays on the southern side. It is the blend of contrasts that make this European city quite special. The city is renowned for its one-of-a-kind architectural layout thanks to many reconstructions done by Japanese architects, after the massive earthquake that destroyed Skopje in 1963. Currently, many rebuilding projects are still ongoing in the city.
Skopje makes sure that its visitors will have a good time. You can take a stroll at the banks of Vardar, wander around the Old Bazaar and visit the historical sights while taking many great pictures. Numerous Ottoman caravanserais, hammams and mosques are standing still in beautiful Skopje.
Top 10 attractions in Skopje
Archaeological excavations show that people have been living on the hill above what’s now the Old Bazaar since at least the Bronze Age. A town was first founded here in the early Byzantine era during the 6th and 7th centuries.
If you stop and think for a minute about how many people from every echelon of society and representing so many diverse cultures have walked over this relatively small bridge connecting Square Macedonia with the Old Bazaar since its original construction over 550 years ago you’ll understand why it’s one of the main symbols of the city.
Built on the site of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in which she was baptised and located inside a like contender for the title of the world’s ugliest building, this is an interesting diversion for some and compulsory pilgrimage for others.
Built as part of the Skopje 2014 project but with some 90 years as an established institution, the National Archaeological Museum, which also houses the National Archives, is laid out on three floors representing the huge diversity of Macedonian life and culture from prehistory to the Ottoman period and beyond.
Towering above the Old Bazaar and featuring a mighty, 42m minaret, the elegant Mustafa Pasha Mosque was built in 1492, and has somewhat incredibly survived every historical disaster Skopje’s managed to throw at it. Read more....
Just west of the centre stands Skopje’s modern Orthodox Cathedral building, also known as the Ministry Temple, with Saint Clement of Ohrid as its patron.
Originally laid out at the end of the 19th century, this large public space to the north and northwest of the city is an extremely popular place during the warmer months of the year. Good for walking, cycling or picnicking in.
To experience just how much your eyes and brain can be deceived, go check out the fascinating and informative Museum of Illusions. Best enjoyed by groups so you can see each other be transformed.
Built to celebrate 2,000 years of Christianity and situated on the highest point on Mount Vodno overlooking the city, the 66m Millennium Cross is rather dull to be honest, although the journey to reach it’s a lot of fun.
The stunning Matka Canyon is a good reminder of how close the mountains always are in Macedonia. Situated just 15km southwest of the city, the 5,000ha site features a wide range of things to see and do from enjoying a leisurely lunch on the terrace at the Canyon Matka restaurant to going on a boat tour from the neighbouring small harbour.
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