In its 2,500 years of existence, Macedonia’s welcoming capital city has had many different embodiments. All of them – from Roman to Byzantine, from Ottoman to Yugoslav – have left permanent traces on the city as is evidenced by Skopje’s varied architecture and its mix of cultures. Yet in addition to its strong historical associations, Skopje is a forward-looking city offering an abundance of modern amenities and attractions.Here one can find sleek modern hotels above the cobblestoned Ottoman streets, outstanding neoclassical homes right around the corner from grand old Yugoslav-era buildings, red-bricked Byzantine churches and rounded Turkish mosques, chic cafés, shopping malls and brightly-colored new offices.
The concentrated complexity of Skopje today attracts visitors offering a great variety of things to see and do, constantly reminding the public of the city’s storied past. Chief among sights to see are the Stone Bridge crossing the River Vardar, the Ottoman-era Old Bazzar
(Stara Charshija), and the Kale Fortress walls. In the sloping narrow streets of Stara Charshija one feels the spirit of the old city with its small shops, mosques with their ceramic tiled interiors, the outdoor bazaar and hamam that continues to exist from Turkish times. A short climb up to the Kale Fortress is well rewarded; from this hilltop where Skopje’s masters ruled for centuries one enjoys a commanding view of the city and its surroundings.The world’s greatest cities boast at least one secluded natural escape. Skopje has two – a long, tree-lined park along the river and the forested hills of Mount Vodno which overlooks the city from the southwest and offers excellent hiking and wilderness serenity. It is within walking distance of downtown Skopje. The summit of Mt. Vodno is also crowned with the enormous Millennium Cross that presides over the city. One gets even more magnificent views of Macedonia’s capital from this point.
Macedonia’s capital suggests something to suit all modern tastes and appetites. It features well-established hotels, restaurants and cinemas, as well as shopping malls with all the latest fashion, and usually at lower prices than in Western countries. The city is a major regional center for concerts, theatre performances, dance and sporting events, all of which frequently feature well-known celebrities from abroad as well as the best in the neighboring countries.
Skopje owns a public transport network and taxis, as well as a plethora of modern internet cafés if one wants to keep in touch with the folks back home. Hotels operating to the highest standards are centrally located, the water is eminently drinkable and the food hearty and nourishing with all international tastes represented - in addition to the excellent local cuisine, of course! Also, it is one of the safest cities in Europe.
Skopje owns a public transport network and taxis, as well as a plethora of modern internet cafés if one wants to keep in touch with the folks back home. Hotels operating to the highest standards are centrally located, the water is eminently drinkable and the food hearty and nourishing with all international tastes represented - in addition to the excellent local cuisine, of course! Also, it is one of the safest cities in Europe.
Skopje - City history
Apart from being the capital of the modern Republic of Macedonia, Skopje has always been a center of power yearned for by various empires. Situated on the banks of the River Vardar, a vital trade route is being founded by the Dardanians in the 3rd c. B.C known as “Skupi”, a much prized city for its strategic location. When the Romans ruled, Skopje was made administrative center of the Dardanian Province. The city’s prestige started to grow when the Orthodox Church made it an Episcopal seat during the early Byzantine Empire
.
Slavic tribes who migrated from the Carpathians in the 6th c. A.D changed both the city’s name and the origin of its people as the descendants of the ancient Macedonians were assimilated by the Slavic newcomers.
.Slavic tribes who migrated from the Carpathians in the 6th c. A.D changed both the city’s name and the origin of its people as the descendants of the ancient Macedonians were assimilated by the Slavic newcomers.
Throughout the remaining centuries of Byzantium Skopje continued to be an important mercantile center, situated as it was at the crossroads of Balkan trade and communications routes. It was celebrated for its urban life and fortress and distinguished for having the most beautiful church in the region.
At the very end of the 14th c., Macedonia fell under the sway of the Ottoman Turks. In the centuries to come, the town’s profile was altered by the construction of many mosques, Turkish baths, bridges and other buildings attesting to the new Oriental influence. Today, the Ottoman legacy remains visible in Skopje’s architecture and present among the Islamic minority.
This latter tendency reached its zenith in 1963 when a catastrophic earthquake destroyed much of the regal old city.
After Macedonia was liberated from the Turks’ sway in the early 20th century, it became a Republic of the Yugoslav Federation with Skopje as its capital. At the time, the prosperous city boasted many neoclassical buildings laid out harmoniously in a more or less Central European style. However, in 1963 a dreadful earthquake destroyed much of the regal old city. An international competition to redesign the city was won by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Skopje was reborn in a imaginative, futuristic style. His creations, such as the National Theater with its sloping roof of concrete, have shaped Skopje’s modern skyline. To this very day, the clock on the remaining wall of the old railway station remains stuck at 5:17 - the moment when the earthquake hit.
This latter tendency reached its zenith in 1963 when a catastrophic earthquake destroyed much of the regal old city.
After Macedonia was liberated from the Turks’ sway in the early 20th century, it became a Republic of the Yugoslav Federation with Skopje as its capital. At the time, the prosperous city boasted many neoclassical buildings laid out harmoniously in a more or less Central European style. However, in 1963 a dreadful earthquake destroyed much of the regal old city. An international competition to redesign the city was won by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Skopje was reborn in a imaginative, futuristic style. His creations, such as the National Theater with its sloping roof of concrete, have shaped Skopje’s modern skyline. To this very day, the clock on the remaining wall of the old railway station remains stuck at 5:17 - the moment when the earthquake hit.
Today, Skopje is a modern city with population of almost one million and proudly presents Macedonia’s major political, economical, educational and cultural center. It continues to be a focus for new residents, economic development, construction and refurbishment. Skopje is steadily becoming a vital regional route for international flight operators. Optimism regarding Skopje’s future prospects is proving positive and grand, as it may be evidenced by the surge from major foreign investors. The city’s growth can only add up to its long and illustrious history of culture and commerce.
Skopje - Eating out
Skopje’s eateries are almost beyond number, and offer a diverse range of local and international flavors, some popular restaurants being Uranija, Tri Biseri, Idadija, Makedonska Kukja, St. Panteleimon, Sofka, Oreov Lad, Ogniste and more. International cuisine is present as well, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Indian, Greek, Mexican, Middle Eastern and French restaurants all located within the city center. Also, pizza and fast food restaurants abound, as do small bakery cafés selling pastries such as the ubiquitous burek (a flaky filo pie stuffed with meat, cheese or spinach).
Skopje - Entertainment
Skopje’s youth spend their free time in cafés meeting with friends, chatting and catching up over a cup of Italian macchiato or the very common Turkish coffee. As could be expected, Skopje is practically packed with cafes, bars and discotheques. These are located predominantly along the River Vardar and near the city’s main square but in every other part of the city too. Some of the most popular ones include Cafe Trend, Zmija, the Blue Cafe, La Cafe, New Age, Ljubov, Bravo, La Kana etc. Nightclubs can be found in the center especially in the City Park area where venues such as Colosseum and Maracana feature top international DJ’s and local live acts.
Skopje’s Universalna Sala (Universal Hall) hosts big concerts of local and world music, and so does the City Stadium. The latter is the home of Macedonia’s national football team but hosts international matches as well. Tourists wishing to get some exercise while in Skopje have numerous appealing options: jogging along the river, hiking through the forests of Mt. Vodno, rollerblading in the park or swimming in the Olympic Pool, to name but a few.
Skopje offers several casinos, some to be found within the major hotels such as the Holiday Inn’s Le Grand Casino. Other Skopje casinos include the Bon Venon, Helios Metropol, Mini-casino 23, Mini-casino Tourist, Olympic and Sherry.
Skopje’s Universalna Sala (Universal Hall) hosts big concerts of local and world music, and so does the City Stadium. The latter is the home of Macedonia’s national football team but hosts international matches as well. Tourists wishing to get some exercise while in Skopje have numerous appealing options: jogging along the river, hiking through the forests of Mt. Vodno, rollerblading in the park or swimming in the Olympic Pool, to name but a few.
Skopje offers several casinos, some to be found within the major hotels such as the Holiday Inn’s Le Grand Casino. Other Skopje casinos include the Bon Venon, Helios Metropol, Mini-casino 23, Mini-casino Tourist, Olympic and Sherry.
Skopje - Where to Stay
A wide range of services and facilities are being offered by Macedonia’s capital. In the 5-star category is the Hotel Aleksander Palace, a five-minute drive from the city center. Numerous 4-star hotels include the Holiday Inn and Best Western in the very center of Skopje, as well as the Hotel Continental, Glam and Tomche Sofka. In the 3-star category, there are the Jadran, Panorama, Skala, Bristol and Vodno. In the self-catering/private apartment category make sure you check out Tim's Apartments and TCC Plaza.
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