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Skopje Sights and Landmarks Guide, Macedonia

Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, is a city of great diversity; with its multiethnic population, Skopje is a captivating source of Balkan culture. Skopje sights reflect thousands of years of history, and represent a picturesque mix of Roman, Byzantine, Slavic and Turkish influences.

Skopje Sights – Historical Landmarks

The best preserved remain from the Roman period is the Aqueduct, which used to bring fresh water to the antique town of Skopje. From the glorious times of Byzantine emperor Justinian, Skopje inherited Kale Fortress and the Stone Bridge, but most of Skopje’s monuments and historic buildings date back from the period of Ottoman occupation. So are the medieval hotels Kapan An, Suli An and Kurshumli An, the Turkish Baths (Daut Pasha Hamam and Double Hamam), or mosques like Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Sultan Murat Mosque, Ishak beg Mosque or Jahja Pasha Mosque. There are also several catholic and orthodox churches that are worth seeing: St. Kilment of Orhid Cathedral, St. Bogorodica or St. Savior Church, sheltering the grave of Goce Delchev, Macedonia’s greatest hero. Other popular attractions are the City Hospital, the Parliament Building, the Feudal Tower and Bey’s Tower.

Skopje Sights – Cultural Attractions and Museums

Skopje is home to several museums: Skopje City Museum (located in the Old Railway Station), the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Natural Science Museum and the Macedonian National Museum and Icon Gallery, with an interesting collection of Byzantine icons and national costumes. Important parts of Skopje’s lifestyle are the bazaars, Turkish markets that have acquired historical significance: Old Bazaar with the Bedesten (a place reserved for the most precious goods) and the Clock Tower, as well as the Bit Pazar (food market).

Tourists are also drawn in by several festivals that have gained European recognition: Skopje Summer Festival, Skopje Jazz Festival, Autumn Music or the May Opera Evenings. Unfortunately, the memorial house of the city’s most famous resident, Mother Theresa, was demolished years ago. In compensation, she was dedicated a small memorial room, at the base of Feudal Tower.

Skopje Sights – Skopje’s Surroundings and Natural Attractions

If you’re just looking for a breath of fresh air, the City Park is a vast area covered by trees, ponds, children’s playgrounds and restaurants. Right outside Skopje are Vodno Mountain, Matka Canyon and Kadina Reka Hunting Site. In addition to Skopje’s sights, the capital’s surroundings are hiding unique attractions: the monasteries on Skopska Crna Gora, Marko’s Monastery and the Tumba and Cerje archeological sites. Skopje is also close to other South-Eastern European capitals like Zagreb, Belgrade, Sofia or Tirana.