Skopje-A Great Place To Start Macedonia Travel

Macedonia is often marveled at for its wonderful blend of the young and old, of ancient civilization coexisting with the bustling modern one. And nowhere is this more obvious than in the capital city of Skopje. A miniature Macedonia, Skopje offers a little something to see and do to all its visitors.

The earliest known existence of Skopje is believed to be from 2500 years ago. Of course, this city has had many rulers and inhabitants, some kind and some not so kind. However, all of them – whether Roman or Byzantine, Turkish or Yugoslav – have all left an indelible print on the city. As you look around the city, you can see the wondrous mix of art and architecture. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the numerous mosques and churches around the city. However one should mention that though Skopje may be a historic city, it is certainly not lacking in any of the modern facilities or attractions.

Lining the classic cobblestoned Ottoman street, you can find sleek and modern looking hotels, equipped with every amenity you may need. Along the roads, you can find small modern cafes nestling amidst grand old buildings from the Yugoslav era. Mixing in with the serene Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, you will find crowded shopping centers and sprawling office complexes. This strange and yet attractive mixture of the modern and ancient gives visitors plenty to see and do, and everywhere they go they are constantly reminded of the region’s multifaceted history.

One of the most interesting sights in Skopje is the Stone Bridge Crossing that runs across the River Vardar. One can also marvel at the enormous Kale Fortress walls and take in the historical Ottoman-era town of Stara Charshija. The meandering streets of this town almost take you centuries back with its little shops, the bazaar and hamam, all survivors from the Turkish era and in the middle of all this hustle-bustle, serene mosques with beautiful ceramic tiled interiors abound. When you climb up the Kale Fortress, you are on a hilltop, from where you can have an almost bird eye’s view of the city of Skopje and its surroundings.

However, Skopje is not just about the historical past or the modern times. It also boasts of beautiful natural retreats, like a tree-lined park that runs along the river offering visitors the pleasure of a refreshing walk among the trees. Mt.Vodno is still covered with lush green trees, and offers all nature lovers wonderful hiking trails and camping sites, just minutes away from the comforts of modern civilization. The crowning glory of Mt.Vodno is of course the Millennium Cross that overlooks the city and almost seems like its guardian angel.

Skopje is also the country’s cultural capital. Boasting of brand new cinema halls, opera houses and concert halls, the city conducts major performances through out the year. There are musical concerts, including rock; dance and sport events as also various theatrical performances. Visitors plan their travel months in advance to attend some of these events and artistes all over the world are featured in some of these performances.

With enough activities to keep you busy from dawn to dusk, and even beyond, Skopje is indeed a great place to start your Macedonia tour.