Skopje City Travel Guide Business & Tourist Travel Information
Skopje sightseeing Skopje attractions Skopje history Skopje restaurants Skopje nightlife Skopje accommodation Skopje hotels Skopje apartments and Skopje weather
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Skopje History Overview
During the 10th century Skopje was the scene of several battles between the Byzantines and the Bulgarian Empire. From 972 to 992 it was the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire before it was recaptured by the Byzantines During the 11th century the city thrived until it suffered another severe earthquake after which it went into decline.
In 1282 it was conquered by the Serbian Empire and in 1346 having been rebuilt it became the Empire's settlement but fell into decline capital. In 1392 it was captured , by the Ottoman Empire and renamed Uskub and designated as the capital of Ottoman controlled Kosovo. It remained under Ottoman rule for five hundred years. During this rule in 1555 it experienced another bad earthquake and in 1689 damaged by fire. By the 19th century its population had dwindled though there was an economic revival in towards the end of the century as it became a station on the Belgrade to Thessaloniki railway.
In August 1912 the city rebelled against the weakening Ottoman Empire, and the The Ottomans rule ended. A few months later it was taken by the Serbian Empire, before falling to the Bulgarians in 1915. At the end of WW1 Skopje became part of the eventual Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
During WW2 it was the scene of several battles involving Bulgaria Germany and Yugoslavia, during which it was briefly the capital of the Peoples Republic Of Macedonia. At the end of WW2 it became part of the Socialist Federal Republic Of Yugoslavia. The Yugoslav federation fell apart in 1991 and Skopje became the Republic of Macedonia's capital.
Skopje City Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information
Sightseeing & Attractions in Skopje
A tragedy for the indigenous population of Macedonia regardless of their ethnicity is this country has been so troubled in recent years. From a tourists eye Skopje and this country has much to offer with examples of history spanning two thousand years. Some of Skopje's attractions are quite surprising The National Gallery of Art built at the end of the 15th century has two domes which from a distance might be mistaken for belonging to a mosque. In fact it was originally a public baths but now is the home an extensive collection of drawings, paintings and sculptures dating from the 14th to the 19th century. It also has some fairly contemporary art and occasionally hosts music festivals including jazz concerts.
The Mustapha Pasha Mosque which overlooks the bazaar area of Skopje was built in 1592 is very imposing with aesthetically pleasing columns externally and inside walls bearing sculptures carved out of white stone. The Kameni Most spans the Vardar river is a bridge with twelve semi circular arches carved out of stone. The lower part of it is believed to have been built in the 6th century and it was enlarged during the 16th century. Interestingly it links the Old town on the eastern side of the river with the more modern town on the western side - as does The Charles Bridge in Prague - with which it compares well.
The Clock Tower near the Bazaar area was built in the mid 16th century and its chimes can be heard for several kilometres. The mechanism in it is thought to have been borrowed from Siged in Hungary by a Turkish army. The Bazaar Area itself is reported to be the largest oriental bazaar in Europe. The buildings here are old and very quaint and the wares for sale range from sandals, handicrafts, leather shoes to attractive gold jewellry. Plenty of places to rest and eat.
The Kale Fortress was built in the Middle ages - apparently on the remains of an earlier Roman fortress. Now days It is a tranquil park in which folk festivals are held. The Church Of The Holy Saviour contains some very impressive motifs of the Saints dressed in local folk costumes and surrounded by animals. The 17th century church is partly sunk into the ground as when it was built churches were not allowed to be higher than mosques.
Skopje is The Birthplace Of Mother Teresa. A plaque marks the spot where the house that she was born in 1910 once stood. Between the Macedonia Square and the main street there is a bronze statue of Mother Teresa, Nobel Prize winner and future Saint. Near the statue there is a small museum about her work. Her mother was Albanian and her father a Vlach and she is undoubtedly one of Macedonia's greatest heroes.
Skopje Jazz Festival For a week every October, Skopje hosts to eminent jazz musicians from all over the world. The Skopje Jazz Festival is recognised as one of the best in Europe.
Skopje Summer Festival
The Skopje Summer Festival, which first took place in 1980 embraces the best of Macedonian and European culture. It includes music concerts, opera, ballet and drama performances, along with photography, film, and exhibitions. The festival usually starts on 21st July and lasts ten days and host artists and guests from all over Europe.
Archaeological Museum
One of Skopje's gems is this museum which has many items from the history of this part of the world. This journey through time covers the the Neolithic Age, Bronze and Iron Ages, Classical and Hellenistic Periods, through to the Roman, Slavic, Byzantine and Turkish periods.
Restaurants In Skopje
If you were just passing through Skopje, like Leipzig, there are many restaurants in the shopping centre. One restaurant that is worth finding is The Pivinca at Maksim Gorki 1 which serves local cuisine including an excellent chicken, pork and smoked bacon - one of their special. The fillet steak in cream source is also very good. Has tables outside in the summer. The Taverna Toscana at Ivo Lola Ribar 72 is not quite Italian (there is no pizza) but offers some well prepared dishes notably tagliata and the pasta. The National Restaurant at Vasil Adjilarski is a source of pizza and numerous local dishes with some interesting chicken dishes. Somewhat expensive.
The Lira Restaurant at Nikola Tesla serves very good local food - the chicken in cream sauce is really excellent - set against live background music. It is a little expensive but has a good ambience appreciated by Europeans. A surprise gem is The Um Zina at Maksim Gorki which is sells Middle Eastern food. Superb starters including humus and some very good meat dishes grilled on a skewer - especially the sausages complimented but lovely salad. A trifle costly.
There are numerous Cafes along the banks of the River Vardar and in the shopping centre try The Cezanne Cafe.
Crime and Personal Safety & Security In Skopje
As since spring 2006 a number of small bombs have exploded in central Skopje mostly in the Cair and Bit Pazar areas. These have been against specific persons. Keep to the main streets and be vigilant. Tourists are at night vulnerable to child gangs who pick pocket and snatch bags especially in shopping areas and places of entertainment even late at night.
Credit card fraud is common place in Macedonia widespread so care is advised if you are making payment this way.
Very occasionally, Skopje experiences demonstrations which may result in unrest or disorder. All tourists whatever their nationality are advised that if this happens to stay indoors especially at night. These problems occur less frequently than a few years ago but should be noted. Several European Governments advise visitors to this country to avoid demonstrations. For the latest information please use the Travel Warning links.
| Skopje Night Life - Nightclubs Music Dance |
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Skopje is one of the few cities in Europe where licensing laws are being tightened up rather than eased. Consequently many venues now have to close at midnight and because of this there are fewer clubs than there were five years ago. Clubbers should check the clubs closing time before going in! Trend ( Nikola Vapcarov 2 Telephone: 313 24 25) is one club that usually stays open to around 4am. The club which includes a restaurant presents live bands and a variety of music on different nights.
Another club that is generally open to 4am is Papaya (Vasil Glavino bb) playing house techno and R&B. Crowd tends to be in their late twenties or older. Process ( Kej 13 Noemvri, City Shopping Centre Telephone: 321 54 76 ) opens to 4am and specialises in playing house sounds to a teenage audience. Heavy metal and rock enthusiasts should check out Mayday ( Bul. Partizanski Odredi Telephone 322 72 94).
The MCM Club ( Naum N. Borce 80 ) has live bands during the week, house on Saturday and surprisingly Karoke on Friday - its opens until the early hours most nights. The Coliseum( Vasil Glavino bb ) offers house and techno and a permanent light show.
| Accommodation In Skopje Hotels & Apartments etc |
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