Skopje Tourist Attractions

The resilient city of Skopje, capital of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, has seen its share of triumph and disaster since ancient times. Ruled by Romans, Ottomans,

 and the Yugoslav conglomerate before Macedonia's independence, Skopje has taken a beating and continues to come back for more, making it a rich tourist destination with numerous attractions of archaeological, architectural, and cultural significance. The city has reinvented itself twice, once after a scorching fire by a 17th century Austrian general and again after a devastating earthquake in 1963. Visitors to Skopje today find a city actively trying to celebrate and preserve its past while preparing for the future.

Here are my top 10 recommendations for tourist attractions in Skopje, Macedonia.

1. Old Skopje Bazaar

Reflecting Skopje's ties to Islamic culture from its days in the Ottoman Empire, this marketplace or "Carsija" is full of bustling shops that beckon visitors. Balancing a tourist orientation and a practical quality, the Old Skopje Bazaar is where visitors mingle with locals. Shoppers looking for souvenirs can find everything from strong Turkish teas and lovely laces to small tin sculptures and cheap jewelry, but they'll also encounter Macedonians going about their daily lives at shoe stores, bakeries, and sewing shops. Located in the oldest part of Skopje, across the Vardar River from modern-day Skopje, this bazaar is where East meets West. In my opinion, few other Europeans cities have markets with such a special legacy, and no tourist attraction in Skopje blends history and fun this well. Note: the winding, cobbled streets are especially busy when services at the nearby mosque end.

2. Old Stone Bridge

Crossing the Vardar River, the "Kameni Most"

The Old Stone Bridge

is not just any bridge. It represents the connection between Skopje's past and present. With parts of the bride dating back to the fall of Rome, the bridge was restored in the late 1990s, but the guard tower was damaged during this process. Basically, it broke off, leaving an awkward stone splinter that pointed upward. But Skopje residents are used to dealing with destruction, large and small, so they took it in stride. Visitors can walk across the bridge, whose twelve classic arches link the more westernized part of Skopje with the old town, including the Carsija (bazaar).

3. Kale Fortress

Kale Fortress

What European city doesn't have some lovely castle or fortress serving as a primary tourist attraction? In Skopje, visitors can see the "Skopsko Kale," dating from the 6th century, about the same time period as the Old Stone Bridge. Some stone blocks were used from an old Roman city known as Scupi. Digging a little deeper, though, archaeologists recently discovered that the Kale Fortress was built on top of an ancient fortress-like structure built long before Roman civilization. To help showcase this significant site and its views of the Vardar River, Macedonian authorities have created a well-manicured park around this attraction.

4. Kursumli An

Now sharing its location with a national museum for Macedonia, this former Turkish inn features architecturally interesting arches and domes. Because lead was used to top the structure, it became known as the "Lead Inn" (Kursumli An). It is easy to imagine weary travelers and traders from the 17th century staying in tiny rooms and resting their horses in the stables (which are especially well-preserved). This type of structure, once common in Islamic cities, is known as a "caravanserai." Amateur etymologists probably recognize the embedded word "caravan."

5. Sveti Spas

Balkan countries often delight travelers because they contain both Islamic mosques and Christian churches, and Macedonia is no different. Translating as the church of Saint Salvation, Sveti Spas is located between the

 Old Bazaar and the Kale Fortress. The interior of this attraction is significant in art, as it features a giant iconostasis (altar) carved out of wood. Blending biblical figures and local scenery, the depictions themselves are of topical interest. Goce Delchev, considered a national hero for his involvement in the late 19th century struggle for Macedonian liberation, is also buried here.

6. Daut Pasha Bath

No old city influenced by the Ottoman Empire lacks a Turkish bath (or at least the remnants of one). Now home to the National Gallery of Art, this former "hammam" dates back to the 15th century. Originally featuring six domes with star-shaped skylights, the bath was an almost cavernously huge place for both men and women to relax in the company of their sex. Now it's a place to see the best art collection Skopje has to offer its country.

7. Mustafa Pasha Mosque

With its minaret rising above the old part of Skopje, this place of worship reminds visitors that the city was under Ottoman Rule for centuries. Built in 1519, the mosque survived the 17th century fire that destroyed much of Skopje. Non-worshippers are not always granted access, but the building is at least lovely on the outside, with well-maintained gardens.

8. Railway Station (Old)

When Skopje was rocked by the 1963 earthquake, time stood still for Macedonia. The clock on this old train station stopped at 5:17am, and you can still see the hands pointing to that time. Left is disarray to serve as a memorial, the fa§ade welcomes visitors into a what is now a city museum celebrating Skopje.

9. Millennium Cross

Not all tourist attractions in Skopje are old. The curiously huge millennium cross, built to celebrate 2000 years of the existence of Christianity, stands atop Mount Vodno and overlooks the city. Lit up at night, this monumental cross looks a bit eerie on a hazy summer night, as though it's burning.

10. Mother Teresa sites

Although she was born to Albanian parents, the woman who became adored and respected as Mother Teresa was actually from Skopje, Macedonia. The city features bits of Mother Teresa heritage, including a marker for her

 birthplace and a simple statue. Considering that she was known for working with the poor in India, many believe that only these modest monuments are appropriate for this holy woman.

In addition to these attractions, Skopje offers many other things for tourists to see and do. The new part of the city has some nightlife, so be sure to party it up after you commune with the past.