Interesting Things To See In Skopje

An Overview of Skopje

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, inhabited since around 4000 BCE. The city is often referenced in modern times as the “City of Statues” due to the massive number of public artworks, ornate statues, traditional pillars and intact ruins around the city. Many of the statues are part of a “Statue and Art Restoration Project” which was an expensive and controversial campaign to restore Skopje’s artistic heritage. Much of the city’s original artworks and older historic monuments were damaged or destroyed in 1963 following a devestating earthquake. Now, Skopje is known as the Birthplace of Mother Teresa, the site of the Kale Fortress and the center of politics and commerce in the country. There are many interesting things to see in Skopje.

Interesting Things To See In Skopje

Matka Canyon (Day Tip)

This canyon contains a vast river-gorge filled with historical sites and hidden caverns. Tall, stony mountains surround the region, making it an extremely scenic day trip from Skopje. The area includes Matka Exhibition Center, relaxing river rides, church ruins, hiking trails and medieval monasteries.

Stone Bridge

The Stone Bridge of Skopje is an easily-recognizable landmark crossing the Vardar River. It wanders through some of the more scenic and interesting portions of the city. It’s also known as the Dušan Bridge after Stephen Dušan, Emperor of Serbia.

Skopje Fortress Kale

This is a massive 6th-century hilltop fortress ruin offering commanding views over the city and nearby river. The fortress is thorugh to have built under the reign of Emperor Justinian I, crafted from the wreckage of the earthquake-destroyed Roman city Skupi in 518 CE.

Old Bazaar

The Old Bazaar is located on the eastern bank of the Vardar River, reaching from the Stone Bridge to the Bit-Pazar. The shopping space isn’t a tourism location with numerous souvenirs, though there are few street sellers who cater to tourists. For the most part, the bazaar sells functional goods, clothes and tools from between alleys, mosques, market spaces and cafés.

The Bridge of Civilisations in Macedonia

Also known as the The Skopje Eye Bridge, the bridge is lined with statues of famous Macedonians throughout her long history, including artists, poets, scientists and leaders.

Vodno

Vondo is the mountain located to the southwest of Skopje. The area is known for some rather challenging hiking trails. Atop it, the mountain is home to the Millennium Cross, a 66-metre tall cross and one of the tallest crosses worldwide.

Archaeological Museum of the Republic of Macedonia

This is a grand and stately museum heavily stocked with archeological relics from Ancient Macedonia, including weapons, tools, coins and preserved statues.

Alexander the Great Fountain

This is an astonishing central art piece in the city of Skopje celebrating the 20th year of independence for the Republic of Macedonia. The large platform-pillar shows Alexander the Great on a rearing horse atop a decorated pillar which is surrounded by fountains.

The Founder of Heraclea Statue

The Philip II Statue, officially called The founder of Heraclea Statue, is a large statue of King Philip of Macedonia with an upraised arm standing over an ornate pillar. That statue’s name is in respect to an ongoing cultural-heritage conflict with Greece over The Republic of Macedonia’s and Greece’s closely intertwined histories.

Memorial House of Mother Teresa

Skopje is known as the birthplace of Mother Teresa, so there’s a museum here honoring her work. The Memorial House includes a small chapel.

Skopje City ​​Park

This lovely park space has outdoor relaxation areas, small walking trails, access to artificial lakes and paths following the Vardar River.

Museum of the Macedonian Struggle

This museum showcases items important to Macedonia’s revolution and struggle for independence.

The Skopje Aqueduct

This is a major brick aqueduct and archaeological site spanning a glorious green field in the neighborhood of Vizbegovo, slightly north of central Skopje.

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