As the capital of the modern Republic of Macedonia, Skopje is located about 100 K east of the Adriatic Sea which separates it from Italy, and just south of Bosnia and Romania. Though it has taken attributes from all of the places surrounding it during its long history, it is a totally unique and modern city today. With almost 700,000 people, it houses about 25% of the population of the small country. The people are diverse with many Turks, Albanians, Serbs, Roma, and Bosnians living there.

Skopje by night:

The history of the city has made both the people and the foundation of the city, its churches, monasteries and the aqueducts built by the Romans, and also the many mosques and other buildings built by the Ottoman Empire. Lovers of history and culture will find much to keep them busy and happy during a visit to Skopje.

Kale Fortress

The fortress was built on the highest hill in the valley where Skopje is located, and gives great views of the entire city. Built by the Byzantines after the great earthquake of 518 as Emperor Justinian wanted to help rebuild the city where he was born. The oldest sections are included within the fortifications which are standing today; they originated from the 10^th century when the square tower was built to the 13^th century when the round tower was completed. The entire fortress was reinforced during Turkish rule, and there were as many as 70 towers. Today, there are only three remaining. The fortress burned in 1689 and was severely damaged, and then was damaged still further during the 1963 earthquake.

Stone Bridge

Byzantine Emperor Justinian also built the Stone Bridge, and since that time it has become synonymous with the city. Each ruler has left a mark on the bridge since the 6^th century when it was completed. There was a large reconstruction done in the 15^th century by Sultan Mehmed II, which was when the guard tower and stone fence were completed. During the most recent restoration, the guard tower fell, and is awaiting repair and restoration now. The Stone Bridge is the main route between the square and the old bazaar, and is built of 6^th century stone blocks, which are huge. The bridge is 214m long and has 13 arches along its span.

Macedonia Square

A couple of interesting sights exist around Macedonia Square. Unfortunately, most of the neoclassical buildings were destroyed in the 1963 earthquake, with the exception of a small section of house in the center. Close to the main square, turn to look toward the shopping mall and find a marker. This is where Mother Theresa’s home stood, and she lived there until the age of 18 when she left to minister first in Ireland and then in India.

Bedesten

This is the area within the old bazaar where the precious goods were sold. It had gates to close in the evening to ward off thieves, and housed spices, jewelry, perfumes, and silks, which were the prized objects of the day. The old Bedesten burned in the fire of 1689, so sometime in the 17^th century the present day bedesten was built for trade. It is smaller, but has lots of atmosphere, with five short streets, shops, and four gates that can be opened.

Double Haman

In the middle of the 15^th century, public baths were all the rage. This one has both a male and female bath, and is unique because the heating room runs down the middle, with an entrance on either side. It is used today as a gallery for temporary art exhibits.

Book cheap international flights and visit Skopje for its fantastic culture and history.