Skopje has had a hard life throughout its history. It still musters up that oxygen to keep on going, rising above historical and natural disasters to become the capital city of Macedonia. In the south of Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Skopje presented an ideal southern European meeting point for many and today travelers are meeting up in this capital city.
Skopje has had its fair share of issues and tragedies. In 518, the city was completely destroyed in an earthquake. It would be rebuilt and officially deemed Skopje by a Slavic tribe. By 1392, the city fell into the hands of the Turks. However in 1689, Skopje would face another setback when the Austrians torched the city. Skopje would pick itself back up and become a key traffic center, becoming a meeting place for merchants to showcase their goods. Surviving and rebuilding after World War I, 1963 would not be a good year for the city. Another earthquake hit Skopje, damaging and destroying much of its historical character. Nonetheless, the city proves to be a survivor, offering travelers a great deal to see and do.
Not all of Skopje’s history has been destroyed. The Skopje Fortress Kale remains a perfect example of not only survival, but also a remarkable prehistoric and medieval feat. The fortress rests in the center of town, probably picked strategically. Many have concluded the site to be a settlement of prehistoric times. By the middle ages, the area would turn into a powerful fortress. What may be truly impressive to visitors is the 121-meter long wall surrounding this marvel. This wall may seem inspiring for its length, but the fact that it has withstood time is equally impressive. The fortress wall dates back to 535 A.D.
All travelers seem to have a bit of shopper in them, whether it be looking for that perfect trinket to take home or going on a spree abroad. Skopje’s Bazaar is the perfect place for shopping and it has been for centuries. The area was that original meeting place for trade, crafts, and transport. Under the Turks, the center thrived. Today, visitors will still find much of those same elements, the tailors, cobblers and quilt makers. If you can’t find a one of a kind Skopje trinket here, you may have a problem.
Few places have been converted into quite the opposite of its original purpose. Cifte Hamman in Skopje used to be the biggest spa in town. The structure contained a system of double baths, separated for men and women. Built in the 15th century, the space even held barbershops and toilets. Today the site opens up as an art gallery. Picturing those toilets and massages while gazing at a painting or exhibit may prove difficult. However, the actual old bathhouse structure is worth seeing, even if travelers don’t get a massage out of the deal.
The saying, “they don’t make them like they used to” holds true with one of the most iconic images of Skopje. Closing out a visit to the city, every visitor should walk across the Stone Bridge, serving as a footpath and connector from the waters of the Vardar below. Built in the 5th century under the rule of Mehmed II, this bridge was the only structure in the city that completely survived the 1963 earthquake. Sure, many building were smashed and restored, but this sturdy stone block of a bridge suffered no damage. Clearly, they really don’t build bridges like they used to.
Skopje and survivor go hand and hand. The modern and ancient city has recovered after disasters and tragedies on numerous accounts. No matter what a visitor ends up doing in Skopje, that feeling of endurance will be felt and seen just by gazing at some of Skopje’s own survivors.
