Almost two millenia ago, the Romans created a little settlement on the banks of the Vardar river and started long centuries of history of what is now considered as one of the most exotic European capitals. Large Paris-like marble buildings dominating the riverside, hundreds of statues of famous people of the Macedonian past, old bazaar with its Ottoman style mosque, orthodox churches and quantity of socialist brutalist megastructures - all of that squeezed in a very compact area commemorating all of the past rulers of the land, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Soviets - welcome to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia.
If you should point out one single iconic landmark in the city, it would have to be this beauty. The oldest bridge in the city makes it to almost any propagation material or souvenir from Skopje. Built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, it has served as the main crossing of the river for centuries.Even today, it serves as the main connection between the newer parts of the city and the old bazaar across the river.
Speaking of which
The Old Bazaar is one of the few remaining remnants of the centuries long Ottoman rule. The minaret of the Mustafa Pasha Mosque overseeing the area from above gives it kind of a Istanbul-like vibe. Just head out into the little crooked streets and staircases, buy some trinkets or souvenirs or try out some of the best Macedonian and Albanian dishes.
Standing high on top of a creek above the old albanian quarter of the city, overseeing meanders of the Vardar river, the Kale fortress is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city.The original structure was built by the Emperor Justinian, however the walls and tower you can see today, date back only to the 10th century. And even so, there is not much left from the fortress anyway. The surrounding walls provide however probably the best view of the historic center. Just don't expect any fancy western-style castle. The area in between the walls is not well preserved and sometimes looks like a bit of a jungle. It has its own character though.
The most prominent and well known example of the socialist architecture in the city. The large statue of Alexander the Great dominates the whole plaza. Whether you sit at the river or at some of the local bar gardens, you probably shouldn't miss this place for it is really the actual center of the city. And go check out the marble Triumph Arch located just at the edge of the square.
And finally, last but not least, probably the most beautiful place you can find in Skopje, is the Vardar riverside. While most of the city has this interesting Balkan neglected vibe in it, the banks of the river are just a pleasure to look at. I believe that if there is something that the Macedonians are good at, it must be bridge building. Don't get me wrong, there are beautiful bridges all over Europe, Prague, Paris, London, but i must admit, there is probalby not one in Skopje which i wouldn't like. So just go for a walk and enjoy :)
Get in
There are generally three ways how to get to Skopje. The most convinient one and also, probalby most favorite for many, is by plane. The Skopje Alexander the Great Internation is located some 25 km from the city center. There is a regular bus shuttle service going between the airport and the main railway station. The price is 175 MKD. If you arrive at night however, you may not have another option than taking a taxi. The taxi service to the airport is regulated and the price should not exceed 20 EUR. You may also think about getting some shuttle service from you hotel.
If you arrive by train, you will end up at the main railway station, which looks like taken from a horror movie. There are strange individuals all around and the building itself (being built under the railway bridge, is just plain awful. But still, there are some regular trains going to other cities in the Balcans, most notably Belgrade and Thessaloniki.
The last possibility is to arrive by bus. There are direct bus connections to many East and Central European cities.
Get around
The city of Skopje is quite small and the center is definitely walkable. If you want to go any further than that, you have generally two choices. There is quite an ok network of red doubledecker buses that will take you wherever you need. THe second option is to order a taxi. There are several designated Taxi stands all around the city. Or you may try to ask someone at your hotel or in a restaurant to order one for you. People in Skopje are generally usually quite friendly :)
In conclusion
Skopje is a fresh living city that is still waiting for being discovered by tourists. Therefore, knowledge of English may be a bit limited, but I had no problem to get by. Having some general knowledge of any Slavic language or at least the Cyrilic script, may prove itself quite useful.
The currency is Macedonian denar (MKD) which is exchange in the approximate rate 1 EUR to 62 MKD. They use standard type C and G outlets and drive on the right side of the road.
And speaking of the road - let's go on this road trip :)
Till next time
Love, Lex
No comments:
Post a Comment