The city of Skopje

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rom the prehistoric cottages and mud houses, through the ancient and medieval structures in Roman, Byzantian and Ottoman style, to the vast and modern city we see today. Skopje combines the history with the present. It is a mixture between the old-fashioned and the contemporary.

All the monuments contain their own mystery, legends and stories. And all you have to do is to have a good ear to hear them. You have to go to the past and relive it in the present time. If you find yourself at the archaeological site Skupi, you’ll go back into the ancient times and the glorious reign of the Macedonian kings and the Roman Emperors which succeed them. The fortress of Kale, the Stone Bridge and the numerous Turkish mosques, amams (spas) and bezistens (bazaars), but also Christian churches, monasteries and the rich cultural treasury are remains of the Ottoman period and the Macedonian struggle during it. The narrow, congested sokaks of the old bazaar - the Skopje charshia makes you feel the smell of the Orient and takes you back to the years, decades of the last two, three or even more centuries. It allows you to have a peek into the tiny workshops and handicraft shops and to meet the outstandingly skilled craftsmen.

All of these previously mentioned are very well-kept monuments which explain the Macedonian experience and tradition inherited throughout the centuries.

Skopje has changed many ways since the past. The old maala like Debar Maalo, Magyir Maalo have all grown into huge districts. The houses were replaced with tall buildings and other modern structures, like hospitals, libraries, pools, gymnasiums, post offices, schools, universities, supermarkets, malls and many other places for leisure and fun.

Although Skopje has a few five-star hotels, the river Vardar lost its sandy beach due to the fact that the river had become dirty and polluted. However, its banks didn’t loose their function. They’ve become a modern promenade, cycling and roller-skating area. On the quay there are many modern cafes and a disco, especially interesting at night.

Very frequently, there are celebrations and happenings on the city square, also near the river Vardar.

Unfortunately, the traffic might sometimes get a little appalling. However, you can always go on foot. And if you get too much stressed, you can relax at the city park or go hiking on Vodno and have a pretty view of the city. The weather is nice and it’s sunny from early spring until late fall.

Viktor Janevski