The capital of Macedonia is Skopje. Old city of Skopje. Kale Fortress and Old Bazaar

It rises on the banks of the Vardara River, which is the largest river in the country. The city is located in the north of the country, spread over seven hills, in a valley between the Crna Gora and Jakupitsa mountain ranges.
People lived here already 6 thousand years ago, and the remains of Neolithic settlements have been preserved in the area of ​​the Kale fortress.
The city appeared here in the IV century. BC e. and was known under the Thracian name Skupi: this name came to him from the founders, the ancient Illyrians.
The origin of the name is controversial. Two versions predominate: the name Skopje is associated with the Greek verb "to watch" or with the Paeonian word for "refuge". Both options are valid, since the city is partly located on an elevated place from where you can view the surroundings, and at the same time there is a mountain valley where you can hide from enemies.
The first written mention of Skopje (under the name Skupi) is found in the writings of the ancient Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemy.
In the II century. BC e. Scupi fell under the rule of Rome and became the center of the province of Mysia. This Roman town, which from the IV century. turned into the capital of the province of Dardania, lucky: the Byzantine emperor Justinian I was born here. In 535, he restored his native town after a devastating earthquake and renamed it in his honor: Prima Justiniana, or "The First City of Justinian." The name did not stick, and the locals still called their town Skupi in the same way.
The first Slavs settled in these parts in the 7th century, and in their language the original name Skupi became Skopje. From the 9th century the city was part of the First Bulgarian, then the Western Bulgarian kingdom.
From the 11th to the 13th centuries power often changed here, as Serbia and the Byzantine Empire fought for the city, until in 1346, under King Stefan Urosh IV Dushan, Skopje became the capital of Serbia and the center for the spread of Serbian culture in the Balkans.
The city did not remain the capital for long, and already in 1392 it was captured by the Ottoman Turks. Under the new name Uskyub, from 1392 to 1913 it was part of the Ottoman Empire. Sometimes the Turkish yoke receded, but the inhabitants of Skopje themselves did not get any easier from this. So, in 1689, Skopje, in which a plague epidemic broke out, was occupied by Austro-Hungarian troops. To prevent the spread of the epidemic, the invaders set fire to the city, the fire lasted two days, and Skopje was completely destroyed.
Turkish rule lasted 500 years. Tursh appreciated the strategic and commercial importance of Skopje. The city became the center of the Skop sanjak (region) as part of the Prizran vilayet of the Turkish Empire. At the beginning of the XIX century. a railway was laid through Skopje, connecting Belgrade and Greece, after which the city began to grow rapidly and grow rich.
During liberation war in the Balkans, in 1913, Skopje was liberated from the Turks and returned to Serbia, and following the results of the First World War of 1914-1916, the city was ceded to Yugoslavia. During the Second World War of 1939-1945, Skopje was occupied by Bulgarian troops until the surrender of Bulgaria in 1944. Then he returned to Yugoslavia and remained in it until 1991.
In 1991, the civil war began in Yugoslavia, and then the state collapsed into individual countries. On September 8, 1991, the city of Skopje became the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, and remains in this capacity to this day.
The building of the city was carried out chaotically, which is why its architecture strikingly combined European and Eastern - mainly Turkish - style. Here were the residences of Serbian kings (XIV century) and Turkish sultans (XIV-XV centuries). The 1963 earthquake completely transformed appearance cities.
It should be noted that the entire south and the basin of the Vardara River is considered a zone of increased seismic activity. Throughout the history of Skopje, several devastating earthquakes have been known. The earliest took place in 518. The city of Skupi was completely destroyed and rebuilt by the Romans. The earthquakes of 1555 and 1904 were no less devastating, but every time the city rose from ruins.
Up to the middle of the 20th century. when planning streets and erecting buildings, the level of seismic hazard was not taken into account in any way.
The Skopje earthquake occurred on July 26, 1963, its magnitude was approximately 6.9 on the Richter scale. 1,070 people were killed, about 3,000 were injured, two-thirds of residential buildings, as well as bridges across the Vardar River, were destroyed. The restoration of Skopje has become a rare example of solidarity and compassion: about eighty states sent rescue teams to Skopje, provided financial and humanitarian assistance.
A new building project was developed for the city based on the ideas of the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange.
Residents of Skopje consider it a miracle that after the earthquake, at least a few architectural monuments of antiquity and the era of the Ottoman Empire survived in the city, including the early Byzantine fortress and aqueduct of the 6th century, Turkish mosques and caravanserais (inns) of the 15th-19th centuries, and Also famous bridge across the river Vardar. Built in 1451-1469 by the order of the Turkish Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror in the very center of the city, this 12-arch pedestrian stone bridge of the 15th century is a symbol of old and new Skopje.
The division into the Old and New Towns is especially noticeable and contrasting here, which is why the city appears as a collection architectural monuments different periods and residential buildings of all eras. Only the central part of Old Skopje has been preserved.
Old Skopje is the fortress of Skopsko-Kale, in which a big park, the old Turkish market Staraya Charshiya, the Turkish bath of Daut Pasha, the miniature Orthodox Church of the Savior with the carved iconostasis known all over the world, the huge dome of the Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the Clock Tower. The latter is a tower of the city wall, built by the Ottoman Turks, and also became a symbol of Skopje.
New Skopje - the building of the Academy of Sciences, Concert hall, City Museum, National Museum of History, National Art Gallery, Gallery of Culture, Museum of Natural History.
Skopje is the administrative center of the country, and therefore the central government bodies, including the Parliament of Macedonia, are located here.
50% of the industrial production of the entire Republic of Macedonia is concentrated here, and most of the industry specializes in processing a variety of agricultural products from the fertile valley of the Vardara River.
Highways and railways connect Skopje with major European centers of trade, and the city itself, due to its favorable geographical position, remains the most important North-South transport corridor between Belgrade and Athens in the Balkans.

general information
Separate administrative unit of Macedonia.
Location: north of the Republic of Macedonia.
Administrative division: 17 communities of Skopje Statistical Region, 10 communities of Skopje Municipality.
Language: Macedonian.
Ethnic composition: Macedonians - 66.75%, Albanians - 20.49%, Roma - 4.63%, Serbs - 2.82%, Turks - 1.7%, Bosniaks - 1.5%, other - 2.11% (2002 est.). ).
Religions: Orthodoxy, Islam.
Currency unit: Macedonian denar.
River: Vardar.
Lakes: Cod, Matka.
Airport: Skopje Alexander the Great International Airport.
Numbers
Area: 571.5 km2.
Population: 668,518 (2006).
Population density: 1169.8 people / km 2.
Height above sea level: 245 m
Economy
Industry: food (including tobacco), agricultural engineering, machine tool building, textile, chemical, cement, glass, metallurgy.
Agriculture: crop production.
Handicraft products(carpet weaving).
Service sector: tourism, transport.
Climate and weather
Moderate continental.
January average temperature:+1°С.
July average temperature:+23°С.
Average annual rainfall: 540 mm.
Attractions
■ Museums: Art Gallery(Daut Pasha bath, end of the 15th century), archaeological (Kurshumli Khan, 16th century). Memorial House of Mother Teresa, Natural Science, Macedonia, Modern Art, Old Station (Skopje City Museum, XX century):
■ Religious buildings: Church of St. Panteleimon (XII century), Nerezi Monastery (XII century), Marko Monastery (XIV century), Al-Aqsa Mosque (XV century), Isa Bey Mosque (XV century), Mustafa Mosque pasha (XV century), the mosque of Sultan Murad (XV century), the mosque of Yahya Pasha (XVI century), the Church of the Savior (XVI century), the Cathedral Church of St. Clement of Ohrid (XX century);
■ Byzantine fortress Skopsko-Kale (XI century);
■ A stone bridge(XV century);
■ Kapan-khan caravanserai (middle of the 15th century);
■ Caravanserai Suli Khan (XV century);
■ Turkish baths Chifte-Hamam (XV century);
■ Old Market Old Charshia (XV-XVI centuries);
■ Bit-Pazar market (XVI century);
■ Clock tower Saat-Kula (XVI century);
■ Aqueduct Byzantine period;
■ Ruins of the ancient city of Skupi;
■ Ristic Palace (XX century);
■ Parliament building (XX century);
■ National Stadium of Philip II of Macedon (XX century);
■ Millennium Cross on Mount Vodno (2002-2008);
■ Lake Matka;
■ Gypsy quarter Suto Ornzari.
Curious facts
■ international Airport Skopje Alexander the Great is one of the most difficult for pilots in Europe: it has a very short runway, at the end of which there is a mountain almost two kilometers high.
■ The importance of Skopje as an international transportation hub is underlined by the fact that it was once the route of the famous Orient Express train featured in one of Agatha Christie's finest novels.
■ The Vardar is the longest river in Macedonia and flows through the mountains throughout its length. The river originates in Macedonia, flows through the country, crosses Skopje, passes through the border with Greece and flows into the Thermaikos Gulf of the Aegean Sea. The Vardar basin occupies 2/3 of the territory of Macedonia, and in its valley there are the most fertile soils in the country.
■ The author of the new Skopje project is the Japanese Kenzo Tange (1913-2005), a well-known master of high-tech style. He led, among other things, the restructuring of Hiroshima after the atomic bombing of 1945.
■ During the reconstruction of Skopje, the Soviet Union built a house-building plant, Poland a village, Czechoslovakia 70 houses and a school, Denmark and Finland a prefabricated village, Bulgaria and England a school, Romania a hospital.
■ The 1963 Skopje earthquake began on the morning of July 26 and lasted only 20 seconds. During this time, two-thirds of residential buildings, almost all schools and hospitals, the station and post office buildings, many administrative buildings, including the city hall and the National Bank, were destroyed. Industrial buildings suffered less, as they were built thoroughly.
■ In 1970, the Museum of Modern Art was opened in Skopje. Most of his collection consisted of works donated by other cities and countries. The building itself was a gift from the Polish government, and one of the main exhibits was the painting by Pablo Picasso "Head of a Woman", which was donated by the artist himself.
■ The 66-meter Millennium Cross rises on Mount Vodno outside the city. The erection of the cross was timed to coincide with the 2000th anniversary of Christianity, although its construction began only in 2002 and lasted 6 years.
■ Greece is extremely sensitive to Macedonian attempts to perpetuate in Skopje the memory of historical figures whom Greece considers its own: Alexander the Great (his 30-meter equestrian statue is installed in Skopje), his father Philip II (after whom the city stadium is named) and his teacher Aristotle.
■ Many streets in the city bear the names of the capitals of the countries that took part in the restoration of Skopje. In particular, there are Moskovskaya and Varshavskaya streets.

Kratovo is a city located in the north-east of Macedonia, which lies in the Osogovo mountain range, in the crater of a long-extinct volcano.

During the period of Roman rule, the city of Kratovo was known as Kratiskara, where metals were mined and smelted. During the Byzantine Empire, it was called Koritos and was a place of mining and processing of gold, silver and copper.

Among the many historical monuments in the city, the most famous are the numerous city bridges and towers.

Initially, there were 12 towers in the city, but only 6 have survived to this day. Their architectural style and decorations date back to the period of Turkish rule. The most famous are the towers of Semintsev, Emmin Bay and Hazi-Kostov.

Numerous bridges connect the two parts of Kratovo.

Fortress of Skopje

The fortress of Skopje or the fortress of Kale is a landmark of Macedonia. The first settlements on the site of the fortress date back to the 4th century BC. The fortress was erected during the reign of the Byzantines in the 6th century. rich history The fortress was repeatedly destroyed by the conquerors, it was restored and rebuilt.

In 1917-1918, at the end of the First World War, the fortress was the headquarters of the Austrian army. After the formation of Yugoslavia, in the period from 1921 to 1930, military buildings were built in the fortress: the general headquarters, warehouses and barracks. In 1951, the troops were withdrawn from the fortress, and the buildings were transferred to the Archaeological and Historical Museum. The fortress was badly damaged after the earthquake in 1963, the buildings were destroyed. Since then, the battlements and towers have been restored, which offer a magnificent view of the city of Skopje.

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Skopje airport

Skopje Airport is the central passenger terminal of Macedonia. There is one runway with a length of more than 2.5 km. In addition, the airport is the busiest in Macedonia, especially during the summer.

Skopje Airport has an extensive leisure area: here you can find a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, a spacious parking lot for 1200 cars and of course irreplaceable shops of local souvenirs and durable goods.

The advantage of the airport is its proximity to the Macedonian capital Skopje. The airfield is located just 17 km from the main city of Macedonia. You can get to the city center from the airport by bus, as well as by taking a local taxi. Come to Skopje and you won't regret it!

Doyranskoe is a lake of tectonic origin with an area of ​​43.1 km² on the border of the Republic of Macedonia and Greece. On the northern shore of the lake is the Belasitsa mountain range. The lake has a rounded shape, maximum depth 10 m, length from south to north - 8.9 km and 7.1 km wide. It is the third largest lake in Macedonia after Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. The lake was formed in the Quaternary period and has a tectonic-volcanic origin.

The Surlovskaya River and the Khandzha River flowing down from the Belasitsy Mountains flow into the lake, and the Gelaya River flows out into the Vardar River.

There are 16 species of fish in the lake. The Muria water forest is included in the list of "natural monuments" and, together with a small part (200 ha) of Lake Doiran, is nominated as a candidate for inclusion in the EU Natura 2000 network.

Recently, there has been a decrease in the volume of water in the lake due to overuse of water for agricultural purposes. So, from 262 million m³ in 1988, its volume decreased to 80 million m³ in 2000, which led to the disappearance of about 140 species of flora and fauna.

Stone town Kuklica

The stone town of Kuklica, located in the north of Macedonia, is named so by the locals in honor of the stone figures that look like dolls.

Bizarre figures were formed here from stone in the process of erosion 10 million years ago.

There is an interesting legend about the origin of the Stone Town of Kuklica. It says that a certain young man could not choose between two girls and appointed a wedding with both on the same day. One of the brides saw her lover with another bride and cursed them. The entire wedding procession turned to stone.

All major figures in Kuklitsa have their own names: the bride and groom, matchmakers.

You can view all the figures from the hill to which the stairs lead.

Church of the Holy Savior

The Church of the Holy Savior is an Orthodox church with beautiful carvings. It has survived to this day in its original form. In the courtyard of the temple there is the grave of Gotse Delchev, a Macedonian revolutionary of the 20th century, and inside the church there is an engraved iconostasis, which is its main decoration.

It seems that the church is very small, but it is worth noting that most of the building was covered with earth. Since in the 17th century the Muslim population prevailed in the city, all kinds of measures were taken against the church that would make it unremarkable. The church was built in the 17th century on the site of an old 16th century church. Part of the frescoes was found during the excavations of the previous church.

Near the church, the old market originates, which is also worth visiting and admiring its historical sites.

Markov Monastery

The Orthodox Markov Monastery is located in Macedonia, near the village of Markova-Sushitsa, 20 kilometers from Skopje. The complex of the monastery consists of the church of St. Demetrius, refectories and cells. The church of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica was built in 1345, as can be seen from the inscription above the southern church door. Later, from 1366 to 1372, it was reconstructed first by King Volkashin, then by his son, King Marko.

In 1376 the church was painted with frescoes. They are illustrations for an akathist Holy Mother of God and have survived to this day. The original church iconostasis has also been preserved. On the western side of the church there is a carved open veranda, added in the 19th century. On the southern side of the temple there was a chapel with frescoes depicting King Volkashin and Prince Marko, of which only ruins have survived to this day, and only fragments of the frescoes remain.

The monastery also has a chapel of St. Mark the Apostle, built today. Also on the territory of the monastery there is a museum, an ancient mill and an old wooden gate made of solid wood.

The Marco Monastery was also an important educational, cultural and literary center. In the 19th century, the writer Kirill Peychinovich lived here as a rector. At present, the monastic life of the monastery has been revived, several nuns live in it.

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Suto Orizari

Suto Orizari is a place where you should not go at all. Is it for thrills. Suto Ornzari is a gypsy district, about 35 thousand gypsies live here, and there are many of them in Skopje. If you decide to take such an unsafe trip, do it on the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, gypsies walk, celebrate street weddings - a grandiose spectacle!

The most popular attractions in Skopje with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Skopje on our website.

More attractions in Skopje

- one of the new states formed in the second half of the 20th century. The city of Skopje is the capital of the former Yugoslav Republic.

A little about the city of Skopje

Skopje is the capital of the modern Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia with a population of about 900 thousand people. The city itself was founded many centuries ago. During the time of Ancient Rome, the city bore the consonant name of Skupi and was the capital of a small province. Skopje repeatedly changed citizenship: Serbia, Byzantium, Turkey, until after the Second World War it became an important part of the Republic of Yugoslavia. And today we can say that it has become a modern center of culture and industrial development of the country.

In Skopje, the capital, factories of various industries have been built and are operating. The city is a major transport hub in the country, so you can easily get to any locality Macedonia, as well as quickly get into a neighboring state.

Where is the city of Skopje located?

Skopje is located in the northern part of Macedonia, in a cozy mountain valley, the largest river of the state, the Vardar, flows through the city. Outside the city, photographers are waiting for amazing mountain landscapes. But the mountain slopes are not only peaceful beauty, but also a seismically active zone. In 1963, a strong earthquake hit the vicinity of Skopje, which destroyed almost the entire city and killed more than 1,000 people.

Weather in Skopje

As in many cities located in the intermountain region, the climate of Skopje is determined by the terrain. Summer in the capital is hot, sunny and dry, the average daily temperatures reach +30 degrees, at night the air cools down to about +15 degrees. Winter here is cold and even foggy by local standards. Although the average daily temperatures are stable in the range of -3 + 8 degrees. The most tourist time to visit the capital of Macedonia is from May to September.

Attractions Skopje

The long history of the city has rewarded Skopje with many ancient monuments and interesting buildings, but most of them were destroyed by a strong earthquake. Interestingly, the railway station just miraculously survived, and its big clock stopped just with the first shocks. Today, the station building is considered a monument to the victims of the earthquake.

But even now there is something to see in Skopje. From what has come down to our days cultural heritage it can be noted that for more than 500 years it has been connecting the banks of the Vardar and leading to. Now it is only pedestrian and is a symbol of the city. It is also worth visiting the Venetian, which was erected on the banks of the river in the 11th century. A wonderful park has been preserved in the fortress, and Observation deck offers an excellent panorama of the city and its surroundings.

The era of Turkish rule rewarded Skopje with elements oriental architecture: inn Kurshumli-Khan, where is located State Museum archeology, and some others. The most interesting building of Muslim culture is considered to be the oldest in Macedonia and Turkey itself.

Of the Orthodox heritage, alas, only the Church of the Holy Savior and its main relic - a wooden iconostasis, as well as the largest monastery in Macedonia - the Monastery of St. Panteleimon on the territory, have been well preserved. On the outskirts of the city of Skopje, you can visit the monastery of St. Andrew and Marko.

An interesting and beautiful attraction is the highest cross in the world. It can be reached by cable car, and at night it turns on night lights - a beautiful sight.

Entertainment and recreation in the city of Skopje

Visiting museums, ancient ruins, temples and simply beautiful old buildings takes, of course, a lot of time for all tourists who come to Skopje. The Art Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art can compete with the home of theatergoers: the Macedonian National Theatre, the Drama Theatre, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Skopje Summer Theatre. Even in summer, they give interesting performances both with their own composition and from visiting guest performers.

From active recreation, you can offer many walks and excursions in the surrounding mountains, riding on the Vardar River and fishing, parachuting or visiting the famous "Popov's Hat". In addition, the city has a sufficient number of night bars and discos.

As a recreation and entertainment, it is also worth mentioning, which is located about 15 km from Skopje. The lake is mountainous and beautiful. Many tourists tend to relax here, take part in local excursions, ride catamarans and also go fishing.

Hotels in Skopje

The best are always located in its capital. In you can find accommodation on demand from five-star luxury hotels to a modest room or even a bed.

The best and most beautiful hotels are built on the banks of the Vardar River or near historical center Skopje. It offers spacious comfortable rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV, large bathroom and many other amenities. These hotels have tennis courts, fitness rooms, spas, saunas, swimming pools, conference rooms. But prices can often be unreasonably high.

If you are looking for a vacation a little cheaper, pay attention to family hotels and private boarding houses. Here the cost of living will be 2-3 times lower. Naturally, the closer to the outskirts of the city, the lower the price per room. You can also try to save money and stay in a hostel, a private accommodation or a campsite outside the city if you have a car.

Cafes and restaurants in Skopje

Where else can you meet and taste all the delights if not in the capital of Macedonia - Skopje. In fact, this is a mixture of taste traditions of all neighbors, where, at times, Turkish motives stand out clearly. The inhabitants of Macedonia are especially fond of fish, meat and vegetables, cheese and greens.

Many large restaurants, some in the usual daily format, some as the highlight of the evening, offer visitors to take part in the preparation of the dish. The whole culinary performance takes place around the stove, which is installed in the center of the hall. The dishes that are on the menu of each institution are Pastrmka, Tavche Gravche, Aivar and others, as a rule, from drinks you will be offered Rakia or other wines from the card.

Large selection of meat dishes, incl. kebab and excellent barbecue can be tasted at the Destan restaurant, which is located in the very center of the city. All oriental masterpieces and a palette of fine spices can be tasted at the Pelister restaurant. If you are an avid fan Italian cuisine, you have a direct road to the restaurant Gusto.

As already mentioned, Skopje is a large transport hub of the country. City roads and road transportation are quite well developed. Moving both within the city and communication with the outskirts takes place with the help of buses.

On the streets of Skopje, you can often find already rare and old transport from the times of the USSR. But about 80 different routes travel around the city. Tickets and travel cards for any trip are purchased in advance, as a rule, at kiosks, and if you are in a hurry, you can pay the fare from the driver, but a little more expensive. Taxi or car rental is not available to everyone, Macedonians have not yet reached the peak of their development and often save on comfort.

Near the capital Skopje is one of the international, named after Alexander the Great. All international flights from any European country and not only are accepted here.

How to get to Skopje?

The easiest and fastest option is, of course, air travel. But there are no direct flights from Russia, as well as from most countries former USSR. Most convenient options flight is a transfer in Belgorod or in Vienna.

It will be more budgetary to get to the city of Thessaloniki, and then go by train to the capital of Macedonia. from neighboring and nearest countries(Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Albania) well developed bus service to Skopje. But many road travelers travel around Eastern Europe in their own car, in which case it must be remembered that each country has its own peculiarities of traffic rules.

Every tourist coming to Macedonia and, especially, to its capital Skopje, should remember that they do not approve of talking about the country's politics and the reasons for the collapse of the Republic of Yugoslavia. Especially when visiting travelers talk about these topics.

The locals are very sociable and will help you to take photos or videos without any problems and will not even refuse to pose for you, but to get into the frame or on the screen state organizations or objects, special permission is required.

The first time I got to Skopje, after each excursion I exclaimed: “Why does the whole world still not know about this place?” The most beautiful churches, mysterious monasteries, amazing amphitheaters are so captivating.

Skopje is the capital of a small Balkan country Macedonia, still mysterious for Russian tourists, lost, it would seem, in such a familiar Europe. The Macedonian capital is located in the north of the country at a distance of several kilometers from the border with the Republic.

The land on which Skopje is located was the center of ancient ancient civilizations, medieval empires and kingdoms in the era of the revival of the Greeks, Turks, Serbs, Croats, Bulgarians. That is why, it seems to me, the Macedonian capital combines the subtlety of the east, and the enlightenment of the west, and the strength of the north, and the passion of the south. The history of this city is replete with famous names, such as Tsar Justinian the First, Philip the Second, the father of the great commander Alexander the Great, who created the world power, the nun Mother Teresa, who became a model of compassion and kindness.

Throughout my stay in the Macedonian capital, I was not left with a feeling of some kind of calm and comfort. This is due to the tiled roofs of houses with green courtyards, cobbled streets, flower beds with beautiful flowers, aromas of coffee and bakery, mountains that look like sleeping dragons. All this creates the atmosphere of a Balkan fairy tale.

Also, the great advantage of Skopje is that in no other capital of any European state you will feel so welcome and dear, because for friendly and open Macedonians, Russians are brothers in blood and religion. I can tell you from my experience that this is important. Especially for tourists who do not speak English fluently. For example, I always addressed everyone in Russian, and they answered me in Macedonian. And we understood each other. In souvenir shops, I received discounts after the seller found out that I was from Russia. It is also important that it is safe on Skopskie streets.

Another advantage is the stability of the euro against the Macedonian denar, which has not changed for more than 5 years (1 EUR = 61.5 MKD, Macedonian denar). This is especially important against the backdrop of global economic crisis.

In Skopje, they speak Macedonian, which is very similar to Russian. Also, most of the population of the capital is fluent in English.

How to get there

Macedonia is located in the center of Europe, adjacent to such developed countries as and. That's why transport systems countries are well developed. You can get to Skopje by all means, except for the sea:

• by plane,
• by train
• bus,
• by car.

It is also important that to visit Macedonia you only need a passport and insurance. At the same time, I will make a reservation that the period of stay should not exceed three months.

On the Macedonian borders border control passes quickly and without problems. Macedonia has no access to any water sources, so there is no sea communication in the country, including Skopje.

By plane

The most popular, fastest, and, surprisingly, the cheapest way to get from Moscow to Skopje is by air.

Unfortunately, there is no direct flight to the Macedonian capital. Therefore, when buying a plane ticket, you should know that the transfer will take place either in Serbian Belgrade or in Austrian Vienna, or in German Munich or Frankfurt. However, no transit visas are required. The duration of stay at the airport of the above countries is about 6 hours.

The cost of one ticket is about 250 EUR including transfers. I personally always book air tickets on the website of the Anywayanyday company, which I think is reliable. I didn't have any problems with him.

When booking a ticket in advance, the price may be lower, you can look at the cost for specific dates by. Planes to Belgrade are always comfortable. But from Belgrade to Skopje, depending on the number of passengers, there are small flights that are sensitive to turbulence. It often happens that the baggage does not arrive at the same time as the passenger. In this case, during registration, the address of the arrivals is recorded, where things are delivered the next day. Lost baggage service phone number: (+389)23-148-334. Be aware that food and drink prices at the airport are inflated.

How to get from the airport to the city

In general, there are only two airports in Macedonia: Skopsky "Alexander the Great" and Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle".

You can get to the capital from Alexander the Great, named after the great commander and one of the ten best airports in Eastern Europe, by taxi (it will cost about 20–25 EUR) or by bus (about 2.8 EUR). The airport is relatively new. The Alexander the Great is small in size, but there are few passengers. This was a big plus for me, since I don't really like queues and crowds.

You can buy a bus ticket at the Vardar Express ticket office on the first floor of the airport. Stop right in front of the exit from the building. There is also a hint in the form of a BUS sign.

As for taxis, the airport owns its own company, which has 65 cars at its disposal. Every day for 24 hours, white cars wait for passengers before leaving the building, so there is no need to book the services of this transport in advance. Prices can also be found at the exit from the airport:

• Airport - Skopje: 20 EUR (1220 denars);
• airport –G.Petrov: 25 EUR (1530 denars);
• airport –Saraj: 25 EUR (1530 denars);
• airport - Sutka: 20 EUR (1220 denars).

If you flew to the airport "St. Paul the Apostle" in the city, then I suggest getting to Skopje by taxi or by bus.

The first option is the most convenient, but more expensive. Taxis are available at the airport exit. The trip will last about two hours and cost 95 EUR (5800 denars). A more economical option is to take a taxi to the Ohrid bus station, from where you can take a bus on the route - Skopje. The bus station is located at a distance of 20 km from the Ohrid airport. The duration of a taxi ride from the airport to the bus station is 20 minutes, it will cost about 8 EUR (500 denars). The trip from Ohrid to Skopje by bus will last about 3.5 hours and cost 8 EUR (500 denars). Buses leave for the capital starting at 04:30 and ending at 22:30 almost every 2 hours.

By train

As far as rail links are concerned, Russia and Macedonia are not directly connected.

You will have to change to a bus or train in Sofia or Belgrade. Since the end of 2015, a train has been running from Moscow to Bulgaria via Serbia.

So, I propose to make a choice between the following directions:

• - Sofia - Skopje. The duration of the route Moscow - Sofia is about 52 hours. The approximate cost of a ticket is from 230 EUR (2nd class) to 340 EUR (2nd class) one way. Further, a train trip in the direction of Sofia - Skopje will last 5 hours and cost 30 EUR.

• - Skopje. The duration of the railway route is about 40 hours. The approximate cost of a ticket is from 200 (2nd class) to 300 EUR (2nd class) one way. Then you can take the train Belgrade - Skopje. Ticket price 23 EUR one way. The duration of the trip is one day.

I would advise you to make a change in Serbia, since after that it is more convenient and fastest to get to Skopje by bus. Bus service - Skopje is better than Sofia - Skopje; plus for the latter you need a Bulgarian visa, the cost of which is about 40 EUR. The only point that can complicate a transit stay in Belgrade is that Serbian currency exchange offices do not exchange currency less than 5 EUR.

I want to note that despite the impressive square of Belgrade, the bus station and the railway station are close, you don’t even have to use a taxi.

Since the Moscow - Sofia train crosses the territories of six states (Belarus, Slovakia,), a transit Schengen visa will be required. average cost transit visa(depending on the country) – 35 euros.

As for the Skopje hotels located near the railway and bus stations, I hasten to please you: the center of the capital with dozens of excellent hotels is located at a distance of 1 km from the stations. It is approximately 15 minutes walk. You can also use a taxi.

Every day, throughout the day and night, dozens of taxi drivers are waiting at the exit of the station, ready to take those arriving to any part of the city. The cost of a trip from the station to the center is about 2 EUR.

If you are interested in the bus option, then the stop is literally a couple of steps from the exit from the station. You will see it right away. Pay attention to buses No. 3,3b,5,15,15a,35,44. They run every half an hour, so you won't have to wait long. These buses will take you all the way to the city center. The fare ranges from 0.67 to 0.97 EUR, depending on the place where the ticket was purchased.

By bus

This option will not work to get to Macedonia without a transfer. We will have to change the bus in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.

Traveling by comfortable bus to this city lasts about two and a half days and will cost about 270 EUR. Getting to Bulgaria, you will cross Ukraine, Moldova and Romania. Therefore, you need to get a Romanian transit visa in advance. Its cost is 35 EUR.

From Sofia, every traveler can easily transfer to the bus to Skopje. Flights are daily, eight times a day: at 00:00, 07:00, 08:00, 09:30, 15:00, 17:30, 19:00 and 20:40. The cost of a round trip ticket is 30 EUR.

There are usually few passengers, which makes the journey to the Macedonian capital even more comfortable. As a result, such a bus trip - Sofia - Skopje will cost 300 EUR per person plus visa costs.

How to get from the station to the city center

The bus station in Skopje is located at a distance of 170 meters (2 minutes walk) from the capital's railway station. Therefore, the options to get to the center and to nearby hotels are exactly the same as I described in the previous section.

By car

The longest and most exhausting option to get to Skopje is by car. This method, in my opinion, is usually chosen by adventurers.

Overcoming 2600 kilometers separating the Russian capital and the Macedonian, you will have to cross the territory of Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia.

The auto trip will take about two to three days, depending on the number and duration of stops.

There is another route: through Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria. This option is shorter than the first one by about 100 km, but then you run the risk of a thorough inspection of the car by Ukrainian border guards.

Traveling to Macedonia by car has both pluses and minuses. The cons include:

• the need to purchase a navigator;
• the need for a Schengen multivisa;
• the need for a policy to travel by car abroad or, as it is most often called, " green card for the vehicle";
• it also includes the fact that travelers can become a victim of meticulous customs checks at the border, especially at the Ukrainian border.

The pluses I would include the opportunity to at least briefly visit several countries, well, or look at them through the glass of a car. At the same time, do not forget about the period of validity of a transit visa, which depends on the country. Most often, the time is from 24 hours to 48 hours.

It is also very important to pay the road tax (the cost varies, depending on the country from 3 to 6 EUR) and fill the canister with fuel. By the way, it is desirable that the number of liters does not exceed twenty, otherwise the border guards may find fault.

The cost of such a trip will depend on the route (the number of toll roads, the cost of road tax and transit visa), on the fuel consumption of your car, on the cost of the green card. On average, a trip from Moscow to Skopje and back will cost 250 EUR plus the costs listed above and the cost of spending the night (usually drivers stop to “nap” about 3 times).

Clue:

Skopje - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Yekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season. When is the best time to go

Macedonia has a temperate climate: not so hot summers (minimum +25 °C, maximum +35 °C) and not so cold winters (maximum +14 °C, minimum -25 °C). The hottest month is July. The coldest months are January and February. I believe that winter dates for visiting can only be recommended to those who tolerate cold and wind well.

Best timing to visit Macedonia in my opinion: May, June, August, September, October. During this period, warm days and cool nights.

Average temperatures are as follows:

• January from -7 to +4 °C;
• February from -1 to +9 °C;
• March from +7 to +16 °C;
• April from +12 to +21 °C;
• May from +17 to +24 °C;
• June from +20 to +28 °C;
• July from 27 to +35 °C;
• August from 25 to +32 °C;
• September from +20 to +30 °C;
• October from +11 to +20 °C;
• December from 0 to +4.

The time of year to visit Skopje should be chosen based on the purpose of the trip. If you want to walk along the streets of the city, visit museums, buy pearls or antique jewelry, then you can come on any date. If you want to enjoy the beautiful views by climbing Mount Vodno or take a boat trip to the Matka canyon, then I advise you to go from May to October. There are always tourists in Skopje, but a special influx begins just the same from the month of May, that is, in the season.

I will say that every month in Macedonia is special!

Skopje in summer

Lindens and lilacs bloom in June. Their scent makes the air magical. During the day you can soak up the sun, and in the evening, comfortably sitting under a thin blanket, fall asleep.

It is from the end of May that the influx of tourists begins. During the summer months, the number of travelers reaches its peak. These are mainly the children of Macedonians who left for America, Australia and Canada in search of a better life last century. You can also meet groups of Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, Turks.

In June, there may be warm, not abundant and short rains. In July, the summer heat sets in, although the heat familiar to Russia is not familiar to the Macedonians. The nights are warm but not stuffy. The air is humid. In August, the heat of the day begins to subside. Prices in tourist season local merchants do not overestimate. During this period, Skopje, it seems to me, comes to life. The reason for this is not only the tourists who arrived, but also the numerous festivals that take place from the end of May to the autumn months.

Skopje in autumn

September and October in Macedonia are warm months, there is almost no rain. The Macedonian "Indian summer" lasts longer than the Russian one.

In October, Macedonians take their raincoats and jackets out of the closets. November is characterized by precipitation. This period, in my opinion, is very suitable for photography lovers. The mountains surrounding Skopje turn orange-gold, and the sunsets take on a pinkish-red hue. For heat intolerant tourists who prefer hiking in the fresh but warm air, this is a great time to visit Macedonia.

Skopje in spring

In March, it is already noticeably warmer, and the residents of the capital are changing their winter cozy down jackets for a spring coat. In April, the first buds and green grass already appear.

In May, it is quite warm, an amazing magnolia blooms. The fences of cozy Macedonian courtyards are covered with colorful roses. When leaving the house, I advise you to grab a jacket or blouse with long sleeves. Just in case. Tourists begin to stay in Skopje mainly at the end of May.

Skopje in winter

December is the month when you need to return to winter warm clothes.

Minus temperatures begin at the end of the month. January is accompanied by Epiphany frosts and snow, in February, winter slowly begins to recede. There are almost no tourists during this period. And yes, I would say winter period bored in Macedonia.

Skopje - monthly weather

Clue:

Skopje - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

Skopje consists of 10 communities:

• Centar, Karposh;
• Gorche Petrov;
• Butel;
• Shuto Orizari;
• Chair;
• Ghazi Baba;
• Barn;
• Aerodrome.

The community that I advise the traveler to Skopje to pay attention to is, of course, Centar. The speaking name indicates the geographical location. The most colorful and interesting to visit, of course, can be called Tsentar and Chair.

From every point of the Center you can see the Millennium Cross on Mount Krstovar.

The cost of living depends on the financial capabilities of the tourist.

Luxury hotels

If you decide not to deny yourself anything, then you can stop at one of the Skop hotels located in the very center of the Macedonian capital. For example:

• "Pelister";
• holiday inn;
• Ibis Skopje City Center;
• Hotel Square;
• Russia.

The cost of one night in a single room varies from 35 to 85 EUR. At the same time, for evening walks ladies do not have to use a taxi or a bus.

Economy hotels

If you decide not to scatter money, then you should pay attention to hostels such as:

• "42";
• The Comfy Hostel, located within walking distance to the city center.

The price per day of accommodation is from 5 to 10 EUR. I offer to compare prices in various hotels by, but you can book a room.

Apartments

Another option for budget accommodation is apartments. I would advise:

• He-Ra Apartments;
• Exclusive Skopje Apartments;
• Apartments Kalonis Centar.

The cost of a one-day stay in a single room is from 25 to 30 EUR. If your stay in the Macedonian capital is a month or more, then it is more profitable to rent an apartment. The price of monthly accommodation in a two-room apartment in the center of Skopje will be 300 EUR plus utilities. You can choose options.

What areas to stay

I would also call Aerodrom, Karposh, Kisela Voda good communities. The communities of Chair, Butel, and Saray have a predominantly Muslim population.

Where not to appear

Shuto Orizari is mostly inhabited by gypsies. Based on my personal impressions, the Muslim areas do not pose any danger to tourists, which cannot be said about the gypsy area.

What are the prices for holidays

Skopje is considered the most cheap capital countries of Europe. Greeks, Bulgarians, Australians come here for shopping. And for good reason.

If you live in an apartment or in a rented apartment, you can eat tasty and cheap by buying groceries in local supermarkets. Prices will pleasantly surprise any tourist, they are approximately the following:

• 1 loaf of bread - 0.5 EUR;
• a kilogram of meat - 4.8 EUR;
• 1 kg of cheese - 4.8 EUR;
• 1 liter of milk - 0.8 EUR;
• 1 kg of cucumbers in the summer - 0.4 EUR;
• tomato - 0.65 EUR;
• 1 bottle of sunflower oil - 1 EUR;
• 1 dozen eggs - 0.8 EUR;
• 1 kg of nuts costs 8 EUR;
• 1 kg of honey - 4.8 EUR.

Housing prices are also low:

• cost of living in expensive hotel from 35 to 85 EUR (per day);
• the cost of living in apartments from 25 to 30 EUR (per day);
• cost of living in a rented apartment 300 EUR (per month);
• the cost of living in a hostel is from 5 to 10 EUR (per day).

Prices for excursions within 8 EUR.

I suggest saving money, of course, by taxi: all the most interesting sights of the city are located in the Tsentar and Chair districts. The two districts are separated by a small stone bridge. All sights of the capital can be reached on foot.

You can also pay attention to this one. It acquaints visitors with all current discounts. Just before using it, make sure that payments can be made through your bank card.

Clue:

The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.

Currency: Rubles, rub. Dollars, $ Euro, €

Main attractions. What to see

Macedonia gained independence in 1991. Like any young state, Macedonia creates its own history, celebrating the heroes who created it. The trend is especially noticeable in the capital Skopje. This explains such a number of monuments to famous Macedonians and baroque styles, classicism in urban architecture. In Skopje you will not find glass skyscrapers or high-tech bridges. The facades of the newly built objects are decorated with exquisite bizarre elements and graceful sculptures.

Monuments and sculptures. What to see

I would highlight the following attractions:

• The most majestic, the most impressive monument-fountain in size is “Warrior on horseback”. This is a kind business card Skopje. To visit the Macedonian capital and not take a picture against the background of the great bronze commander almost 15 meters high is a real crime in my opinion.

• In the vicinity of this truly beautiful building, there is also a monument to Justinian the First.

• Also, the monuments of the revolutionaries Metodiy Andonov-Cento, Dame Gruev, Gotse Delchev and the writer Georgy Pulevsky took their place on the square.

• Further you can see the Stone Bridge, built in the 6th century and serving as a link between the new part of the city and the old part.

• The Skop aqueduct is a conduit built in the 6th century in the form of a bridge of stone arches. Located ancient building near the village of Vizbegov.

• When crossing the Stone Bridge, look down. Right in the river Vardar you will see "Bathers".

• And not far from the bathers, we are met by bronze enlighteners Cyril and Methodius.

• Tender feelings are caused by the fountain of Motherhood or the fountain in honor of the mother of Alexander the Great Olympias, a few meters from the Stone Bridge.

• A five-minute walk from the fountain continues the family theme of the monument-fountain to the father of Alexander the Great Philip II.

• By the way, in Skopje there is a modest monument to Yuri Gagarin. It is located in the Karposh area.

• The pride of Skopje is the Kale fortress (6th century), located on the Gradishte hill.

• If the Stone Bridge, located in the center of the capital, does not cross, but move to opposite side, then you can see the Triumphal Arch "Macedonia" on Pela Square.

• Not far from the arch, an unusual monument was erected in honor of the fallen Macedonian heroes.

Top 5

Macedonia is not only a country with the most valuable architectural monuments and unique historical values, but also a country with magnificent, still virgin, nature. Therefore, when compiling my TOP 5, I highly recommend visiting:

• Majestic Mount Vodno with its medieval churches. Be sure to ride the cable car, so you will see magnificent scenery.

• Canyon Matka, which will not leave indifferent any tourist.

• The most famous native of the Macedonian capital is certainly Mother Teresa. And then how not to include Mother Teresa's house-museum in the list!

• Monument to Alexander the Great in Macedonia Square.

• A colorful market called Bit-pazar.

Beaches. Which is better

Skopje has no access to the sea, and there are no lakes nearby. Only the river Vardar. The only urban beach "Park" is located in the city center. True, the water in the river is unclear. In my opinion, the beach is more suitable for soaking up the sun or playing football, volleyball or handball.

The beach is right in the center of Skopje. Literally a few steps from the most important osprey square of Macedonia. The closest stop to the beach is the GTZ stop (Gradski trgovski center), buses number 50, 57 go to it.

Infrastructure

Near the beach, in the nearby cafes, you can enjoy aromatic coffee or refreshing juice.

Entrance to the beach is free. Sun loungers are also free, but not always free. Toilet and dressing room are mobile. There are no storage lockers. To play volleyball, you need to book a game time: 60 minutes are free. You can also make a reservation by calling +38971267265.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

There are about 112 churches in Skopje or near the capital. And all of them are so beautiful that I advise everyone who wants to make a pilgrimage tour to come to the Macedonian capital. These are small churches and monasteries built of stone on the hills away from the hustle and bustle of this world.

I recommend visiting the following medieval churches:

Mosques

For five centuries the city was ruled by Turkish invaders. And of course, they could not but leave a religious mark in the form of beautiful mosques. For example, I visited almost all the mosques in Skopje. For me, all these objects are of historical value. After all, they were built in the 14-16 centuries. Almost all the most interesting mosques of the capital are located in the Chair district, which is very close to the center of Skopje. So, I recommend:

• Mosque of Murat Pasha;

• Mosque Kose Kadi;
• Mosque of Arasta;

• Mosque of Mustafa Pasha;

• Khudaverdi Mosque;
• Mosque Dukandzhik;

• Mosque of Haji Balaban;
• Mosque of Ishak Bey;

• Sultan Murat Mosque;
• Mosque of Isa Bey.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

The buildings of the Macedonian museums and theaters, as well as the buildings of the courts, ministries, government, I believe, are themselves a work of art in the baroque and classicist styles.

So, I suggest looking into:

• The Museum of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle, which is located on the left side of the Vardar River. Here you can get acquainted with the Declaration of Independence of the country, with wax figures of celebrities from Macedonian history and other exhibits. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Ticket price - 5 EUR.

parks

I want to highlight the following parks of the Macedonian capital:

tourist streets

Speaking of the Macedonian capital, the phrase " tourist streets" is better to replace with " tourist areas».

First of all, I would definitely say Pela Square and Macedonia Square. Most of sights of the Macedonian capital (Triumphal Arch, Warrior on Horseback, Monument to the Dead Heroes, etc.) are located here.

It is interesting to visit the area called "Stara Skopska Charshia", similar to a Turkish bazaar with narrow streets, dozens of shops and shops, churches, mosques, baths.

In the northern part of this part of Skopje, "Stara Charshia" is located and Bazaar "Bit-Pazar". The market has dozens of cafes and tea houses, shops and souvenir shops. The streets are narrow and cobbled

What to see in 1 day

The excursion program for 1 day should be compiled depending on the characteristics and preferences of the tourist. I would recommend several options.

Option number 1:

Option number 2 is suitable, in my opinion, for lovers of the silence of the urban environs, leading an active lifestyle:

Option number 3 is suitable for people who prefer religious tourism:

The approximate cost of each of the routes I have proposed will be from 20 to 40 EUR. I also suggest looking at tour options for.

What to see in the surroundings

Mount Vodno

Mount Vodno is located only a few kilometers from the city center. The Millennium Cross is installed on the highest point of Mount Vodno called Krstovar (1066 meters above sea level) and is visible from anywhere in Skopje.

On Vodno I suggest:

• see a small 15-meter waterfall near the village of Dolno Senye,

• ride in a cabin from the Millennium Cross to the foot of the mountain by cable car (cost 1.6 EUR),

• visit unique medieval churches, get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the mountain.

Almost the entire mountain of Vodno is surrounded by bicycle paths, as well as paths for those who like to walk on foot.

For the information of those wishing to take a ride on the cable car: you can carry out such an air ride from Tuesday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:20. Duration - 1 hour.

You can get to Mount Vodno by a special city bus that runs through the whole city. You can recognize the bus immediately by the sign "Zhichnica Mileniumski Krst". The bus runs every 20 minutes. The ticket price of 2.6 EUR includes a round-trip bus and cable car ride.

Canyon Matka

Canyon Matka in the valley of the Trska River is located 17 kilometers from the capital. In the canyon there are 10 caves from 20 to 176 meters long and two abysses 35 meters deep. As many as 20% of the plants of the gorge are listed in the Red Book. For me, the numbers sounded impressive.

On the territory of the canyon "Matka" there is a speleological park with three caves.

Also in this natural pearl there are ancient churches and monasteries built in the 14th century.

In the restaurant and hotel, which are located on the territory of the canyon, prices are much higher than in the city of Skopje. In the summer, there are a lot of tourists from Europe. I recommend using the services of a local boatman-guide (cost 6.5 EUR), since not a single cave to see stalagmites and lakes? not accessible on foot. The best way to get to the canyon from the city is by taxi or buses No. 2, No. 2A, No. 12 or No. 60 (ticket price is from 0.67 to 0.97 EUR). Stopover Saray. By the way, Lake Matka may be of interest to drivers.

Markov city

I also recommend visiting "Markov Grad" - a kind of complex consisting of a beautiful monastery and medieval fortress. Markov Grad is located on the banks of the Treska River, 20 kilometers from the capital and not far from the Matka Canyon.

Food. What to try

As I learned, according to local tradition, for breakfast you need to taste:

You can try the drink "bosa" (0.5 EUR). In restaurants, you will be offered chorba soup in the morning (1.8 EUR).

For lunch or an early dinner, I recommend choosing:

• cutlets "pleskavici" (3.7 EUR);
• lula "kebapi" (2 EUR);
• "Ushtipets" (3.5 EUR);
• pork "pork uviyach" (3.2 EUR);
• chicken roll “pileshki uviyach” (2.6 EUR);
• sausage "hanger" (4 EUR);
• trout "pastrmka" (16 EUR);

• salads "Greek" and "shopska" (2.4 EUR);
• breaded cheese “pohovan kashkaval” (2 EUR);
• , mushrooms “stove for scara” or “stove for heat” (2.8 EUR);
• julienne "roasted lilac" (2.5 EUR);
• stuffed cabbage "sarmi" (0.9 EUR);
• beans "tavche-gravche" (2 EUR);

• meat "selsko meso" (5 EUR);
• pastrmailia from dough and minced meat (3.6 EUR);
• vegetable caviar "aivar" (1.4 EUR).

I also advise you to try the local feta cheese and turshia pickles.

For dessert I would have:

• baklava, I personally recommend with cherries (1 EUR);
• pancakes (1.6 EUR).

Macedonians prefer mountain tea "Planin chai", mint and fruit tea. The coffee in Skopje is excellent. I advise:

• Turkish coffee from Turks;
• "Latte";
• "Espresso";
• "Macchiato";
• "Nescafe".

The average cost of a cup of coffee is 1 EUR.

Among the drinks, you should try the exquisite Macedonian wine of local brands Tikves, Bovin, Skovin, Dalvina or rakija vodka (from 5 to 25 EUR).

You can order a bottle of Skopsky beer (1.5 EUR).

The price of fruits and vegetables, both in bazaars and in supermarkets, is very low. A kilogram of cherries per season costs about 1 EUR. A kilogram of apples is about 0.5 EUR.

During the winter months you can find a variety of pickles, cheap tangerines, oranges, apples and bananas. In spring, the stalls begin to delight customers with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, zucchini, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, pears, and from October - apples of various varieties.

There are a lot of places where you can eat in Skopje.

There is no clear division between restaurants for a budget visitor and a visitor with an average income. The following trend prevails: the closer to the main square of the city of "Macedonia" and the more exotic the cuisine, the higher the prices. I will put it differently: you can have a hearty meal for two in the financial range from 10 to 30 EUR in most establishments.

In the city center, I recommend restaurants and cafes: Anya, Kay Restaurant, Dion, Casa Cubana, Twins Kitchen & Wine, Plaza de Toros, Bureaucrat - Ministry of Coffee, New York Caffe, Brick Bar Lounge & Cafe, Irish Pub St.Patrick, Chao. All of them are located on Key 13 Noemvri Street, which stretches along the Vardar River. Opening hours until 01:00.

Well, if you want to treat yourself to a muffin, go to the Olala bakery.

I will also note the elite two-story restaurant "Royal Macedonia" in the form of a ship on the Vardar River.

Passing the Key 13 Noemvri street and turning the corner, you will immediately find yourself on Macedonia Square. Here are located:

• pizzeria Telekom Trend Lounge Bar;

• London. Opening hours until midnight.

And the square itself, I will mark the cafe:

• "ocata;
• "Pelister".

The following streets "11 Oktomvri" and "Macedonia" are the main street of Skopskaya, which is full of cafes with dozens of types of coffee on the menu, as well as other drinks, including cocktails. I would recommend going to Barcelona or Drama.

A very popular place among the local population and tourists "Mekitsa on Guard".

Gourmet restaurants are located in the city center and open until midnight:

• "Maracana";
• "Costa Rica";
• La Terrazza;
• Mexican "Amigos";
• Chinese Star Ocean and Sushi Co.

Unfortunately, there are no vegetarian restaurants in the city. But, nevertheless, in the menu of any restaurant, you can find dishes for vegetarians: baked vegetables "zelenchuk on skara" or breaded vegetables "pohovan zelenchuk". You can treat yourself to mushrooms or risotto.

As for the national Macedonian restaurants in Skopje, there are many. Moreover, the prices in them are lower, and the portions are larger than in the usual ones. I recommend the wonderful "Staro Bure (Kuchkovo)", "Two Elenas", "Doirana", "Meana Kerpich", "Meana Wind and Mugla", "Pyton". Most of these have wide terraces that allow you to dine outdoors.

While visiting Macedonia, it is still, in my opinion, worth visiting most often in traditional restaurants. It is there that you can plunge into the atmosphere, saturated with the Macedonian spirit, listen to the traditional music of this country, see the elements of the old Macedonian interior.

By the way, in Skopje there is a cafe under the interesting name "Putin". The cafe owner is an ardent admirer of our president.

Tipping in Skopje is optional.

Budget

I have never tasted tastier buns than in Mekitsi od Strazha. The bakery is located in the city center on Macedonia Street. There you can find what to have breakfast, and what to have lunch, and what to have dinner. As they say, cheap and cheerful.

Intermediate level

Hundreds of restaurants can be classified as mid-range restaurants national cuisine. Be sure to visit one of the traditional restaurants. For a fairly low price, you will have enough to eat with a friendly company.

Expensive

When visiting one of the expensive restaurants in the capital, order trout. It is better to try meat in national restaurants.

The elite restaurants in Skopje include:

Holidays

Holidays are given special place in the life of every Macedonian.

Christmas Eve

Preparations for Christmas start on January 5th. Hundreds of bonfires are lit in the evening. I saw how friendly companies of Macedonians fry vegetables on a fire, fish, drink wine, dance.

Celebrations are held in local cafes and restaurants. Already on January 6, on Christmas Eve, residents of the capital bake bread with a coin inside.

Skopyans believe that whoever gets a piece with a coin will be lucky all year long. In churches on this day, evening festive services are held. You can book a table at local restaurant, asking to bake such a festive bread.

Christmas

And on January 7, it is customary to go to church, take an oak branch from there and keep it all year.

Old New Year

Already on January 14, the Maznik pie is baked in Skopje, in which, just like on Christmas Eve, they put a coin.

In the evening, friendly companies gather, have dinner, play cards or a cube. "Mazniki" are made to order in Osprey's restaurants and bakeries. Therefore, everyone, even a tourist, can organize such a pastime for himself. If you happen to be in Skopje in these numbers, I advise you to join the local traditions.

Baptism

On this day, as befits all Christians, believers dive for the cross, which the clergyman throws into the icy water. Any Orthodox, regardless of nationality, can take part.

Carnival

In the afternoon of April 1, all the capital's children in fancy dress stroll through the streets, and in the evening they act as nurses, princesses, Indians, etc. adults also transform.

carnival halloween

By the way, in Macedonia they also celebrate the "Night of the Witches" or just simply

Easter

Skop Marathon

The Skop Marathon is held in mid-May. More than 7 thousand runners from Macedonia and countries around the world take part in it every year. In 2016, the winner was a participant from Kenya.

You can take part too!

Macedonia Independence Day

And on September 8, in honor of the main holiday for any country, concerts, exhibitions, performances of folk ensembles and much more are presented on the streets of Skopje to all passers-by.

White Night

Interesting, in my opinion, to see with my own eyes " white night”, which the city authorities will organize on October 1. On this day, all residents of Skopje go outside in the evening to listen to foreign DJs in white clothes.

wine festival

Vinofest is also interesting - a wine festival. On this day, you can watch a concert on the streets of the capital and try dozens of varieties of local wines for a symbolic price.

flower festival

You can plunge into the fabulous atmosphere in the City Park at the Flower Festival or in Macedonian “Tsveten Festival”, held in May.

blues festival

In autumn, September 20, the Blues Festival is held. It involves not only Macedonian performers, but also foreign singers.

Music Festival

The Autumn Musical Ceremony, or in Macedonian "Jesenski Musici Luminosity" takes place in November.

Safety. What to watch out for

Macedonia is one of the safest countries in Europe. There are almost no street thefts. Tourists are often frightened by the Albanian population of Macedonia, but believe me, this is not true. The Muslim part of the population is good-natured and friendly. In Skopje, both during the day and at night, you can feel calm.

Things to do

During your stay in Skopje, you can diversify your cultural pastime. I suggest:

Shopping and shops

You can buy inexpensive, but high-quality, or branded items in the capital's shopping centers. In the city center, near Macedonia Square, there is a shopping center "GTZ".

Not far from the Museum of the City of Skopje, a shopping center "RAMSTORE MALL" was built.

Perhaps the largest, most populous and popular shopping center among the metropolitan population is CITY MALL.

Prices in GTZ for shoes, clothes and accessories are much lower than in RAMSTORE MALL or CITY MALL. For example, you can buy good boots in GTZ for 65 EUR. While in "CITY MALL" prices for boots are mostly around 160 EUR. In "GTZ" you can buy a good, in my opinion, women's blouse for 20 EUR, while in "RAMSTORE MALL" prices for women's clothing of this type from 50 EUR. This is explained by the fact that RAMSTORE MALL and CITY MALL present items of world brands and brands.

Souvenirs, as well as gold, can be bought in one of the Bit-pazar shops. Market "Joke" is better not to visit. This is a gypsy market for cheap, low-quality things.

Euros are not accepted in stores. It is worth using the services of an exchange office or just pay with a bank card.

Clubs and nightlife

If your program of acquaintance with Skopje also includes visits to bars and nightclubs, where you can watch performances of local musicians and singers, dance, have a drink, then you should pay attention to these bars:

• "Kala";
• "Chao";
• stage;
• "Check in";
• Havana.

Especially interesting, as far as I know, in these bars on Thursday and Saturday. As elsewhere in Skopje, the prices for drinks in bars and clubs are low. For example:

• freshly squeezed juice about 2.5 EUR;
• cocktail from 3 to 4 EUR;
• a bottle of beer from 2 to 3.2 EUR;
• whiskey (12 g) about 5 EUR;
• tequila from 1.6 to 2 EUR;
• wine (0.75l) from 9 to 20 EUR.

Skopyan usually after the bar closes at 01:00 am go to one of the capital's clubs:

• "Sector 909";
• "Midnight";
• "Volcano";
• "X El";
• "Maracana".

The opening hours of such establishments are until 04:30.

You can play bowling at Bo Bowling and Kuglan GTZ. Billiards at Osmica, Hazard, Snooker Club Grand. By the way, there is a casino in Skopje. The most visited Le Grand Casino, Slot, Gambling Casinos, Royal Casino, Admiral Casino.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

As a memorable souvenir from Skopje, I propose to bring:

How to move around the city

The Skop transport network is very well developed. Getting around the city shouldn't be a problem. Plus, all the main metropolitan attractions are close to each other. You can always find somewhere to eat there. I would recommend walking around the city, but for long distances use the bus.

On each bus stop all routes of all metropolitan buses stopping at this point are indicated. As for taxis, taxi drivers always wait for passengers in the places reserved for taxis.

In my opinion, there is no need to use a rented car. There is no metro in Skopje.

Taxi. What features exist

There are several taxi companies operating in the capital, which include dozens of new vehicles equipped with meters and driven by experienced drivers. When you sit in a taxi and name the place where you need to be taken, the driver will immediately turn on the meter. The countdown will start from 40 denars (0.65 EUR). The cost of one kilometer is 25 denars (0.4 EUR). Bank cards are not accepted for payment in taxis.

Taxi drivers wait for customers in places specially designated for taxis. Trying to catch a ride on the road is better not worth it. You can call a taxi by calling the local phone. The most popular taxi company among the capital's residents is Nashe Taxi, tel.

There are also:

• City Taxi 02 15151,
• De Luks 02 15187,
• Vardar 02 15195.

Many taxi drivers know English, like most residents of the capital. The cost of a trip from the airport to the city center of Skopje will cost about 20 EUR.

Buses

Buses in the capital do not run around the clock. They leave at 05:00 in the morning and carry passengers until 23:00. In total, there are 39 bus lines in Skopje.

The buses are new, most of them are double-decker.

• It is worth paying attention to the routes of buses No. 2, No. 2A, No. 12 and No. 60 (Saray village-Zhelezar Avtokomanda). It is to the village of Sarai that you need to get to get into the Matka canyon. The Autokomanda Zhelezara stop is located near the Continental Hotel.
• It is worth taking bus number 12 if you have planned a trip to the monastery of St. Nicholas Shishevsky. The final stop of bus number 12 is Shishevo.
• Buses No. 17A and No. 19 take you to the Museum of Modern Art (the final stop of these buses).
• By bus number 50 you can get to the hippodrome in Skopje.
• If you decide to visit the largest shopping center in the capital, City Mall, take bus number 2.
• If you want to visit Bit Pazar, wait for number 19. By the way, after the Bit Pazar stop, bus number 19 continues its route to the same City Mall shopping center.
• The Zoo can be reached by buses No. 8A and No. 11.

So that passengers do not get confused, at each stop there are signs with the numbers of buses that stop at this stop, as well as their route.

I advise you to purchase a My Skopsk travel card at any nearest kiosk. It looks like a blue bank card. Cards can be personal, the cost of which is 3 EUR (with full name and photo of the owner) and non-personal, the cost of which is 2.4 EUR. After the purchase, it is necessary to supplement this card with financial resources. The minimum deposit amount is 100 denarms (1.6 EUR), the maximum is 6000 denars (97.5 EUR). At the same time, it is important to know that 35 denars (0.6 EUR) will be charged from the card for one trip. By the way, tourists or local residents who hardly use public transport and do not have any need for a card can buy a ticket directly on the bus. The cost is 60 denars (0.97 EUR).

Transport rental

You can rent any type of transport at a reasonable price. You can do it right at the airport. There are 11 car rental agencies operating on the territory of Aleksandar Veliki Airport:

• AVIS Rent a Car;
• DTTU SHARR EXPRESS - RENT A CAR;
• EUROPCAR NI-MAR;
• HERTZ Automobile S.K.;
• ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR;
• INTER WAYS Rent a Car.

All these agencies work around the clock. In the center of Skopje, in the city shopping center GTZ, the agency Kompas holidays offers its services. Also in the center is Setkom Rent.

Before entering all these agencies, there is a RENTA CAR sign.

Prices are almost the same in all agencies and depend on the number of rental days and the car model. For example, renting a FORD FIESTA for 1–2 days costs 29 EUR, while for 7 days it would cost 120 EUR. Renting a KIA MAGENTIS 2.0 DIESEL car for 1–2 days costs 53 EUR, and for 7 days it would cost 210 EUR.

Requirements for renters: at least 21 years of age, 2 years of driving experience and an international driving license.

You can compare cars for price and other characteristics by.

Bicycles

I have good news for cyclists: from 07:00 to 22:00 from spring to autumn, you can rent a bike very cheaply - 10 denars (0.16 EUR) per hour. Rental locations: public parking lot "Treska" (near "Tsveten Pazar"), public parking lot "Gradska hospital" (next to the GTZ shopping center), public parking lot "Opshta Gradska hospital "8mi Septemvri"" (you can get there by bus number 26), metropolitan area "Aerodrome" in zone D3 behind a small shopping center "Biser" (you can get there by buses No. 3, No. 5A or No. 15), in the multi-storey garage "Macedonska falanga" (in the metropolitan area Centar near the courthouse near Macedonia Square) .

If you decide to rent a car and explore Skopje on your own, you need to know that auto culture is at a high level in the Macedonian capital. It is worth respecting the auto legislation of the Republic of Macedonia, otherwise there is a risk of paying a fine. It is necessary to fasten your seat belt when getting into the car, you should not exceed the speed limit.

You can leave your car only in designated parking lots. The cost is 30 denars (0.5 EUR) for 2 hours. And cktletn remember that outside Skopje is a serpentine.

Skopje - holidays with children

I think that you can go to Skopje with children. The Skopje City Zoo is home to 500 species of animals. Open daily from 9:00 to 19:00. Ticket price 0.8 EUR.

From the center of Skopje to the zoo can be reached by buses number 8 and number 11.

Luna Park is located on the territory of the City Park. You can drive cars on two autodromes of this entertainment complex, on the carousel, on the train, see the surroundings from the Ferris wheel, play paintball, try cotton candy and popcorn. In summer, the park is open from 08:00 to 22:00, in winter from 08:00 to 16:00. Entrance to Luna Park is free. Only rides are paid. Prices for attractions are about 0.8 EUR, depending on the attraction. You can get there by buses No. 8 and No. 15.

Skopje - the capital of the Republic of Macedonia - lies in the valley of the mountain river Vardar. It traces its history back to the Roman fortress, which later became the center of the province of Dardania. During the Ottoman Empire, the city flourished, but in 1555 it was destroyed by an earthquake. As part of Yugoslavia, Skopje became a major cultural center, but another catastrophic earthquake in 1963 literally wiped it off the face of the earth. However Old city Ottoman construction survived. Today it is the most colorful part of the Macedonian capital with narrow streets, mosques, hammams and oriental caravanserais.

The new part of Skopje was restored according to the project of the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Since 2010, another grandiose plan has been implemented to renovate the city center - new pompous buildings and dozens of statues and monuments to generals, kings, saints, revolutionaries and national heroes have appeared. Many Macedonians disapprove of this project, calling it architectural kitsch. However, it was its implementation that significantly increased the influx of tourists to Skopje.

How to get to Skopje

By plane

There are no direct flights from Russia to Skopje. From Moscow in 5 hours 10 minutes you can get there first by Aeroflot flight to Belgrade, and from there by Air Serbia. The cheapest option is to fly Turkish Airlines» with a change in Istanbul: the journey takes 6 hours 10 minutes, but the ticket will cost half as much. It is convenient to get from St. Petersburg to Skopje " Austrian Airlines» with a change in Vienna. Travel time - 7.5 hours.

From airport to city

Alexander the Great International Airport is located 20 km from the center of Skopje. From here, buses of the transport company Vardar Express (official site in English) run to the city - 7-10 flights a day, time to the center is 35-50 minutes. Tickets are sold at the box office on the first floor of the airport terminal. Buses are small, usually crowded, and even having a ticket does not guarantee a seat.

The fixed cost of a taxi from the airport to Skopje (1340-1600 MKD) and other cities in Macedonia is shown in the table near the exit from the arrivals hall. Avoid the services of annoying private drivers offering their services at inflated prices. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

The railway connection between Skopje and Belgrade, Sofia and Thessaloniki leaves much to be desired - rare trains run at the speed of a hearse, and their technical condition is far from ideal.

Search flights to Skopje

By bus and private car

International bus services by Vardar Express and other transport companies connect Skopje with almost all European countries up to Scandinavia. You can come to the Macedonian capital from Belgrade (10 flights a day), Sofia (8 flights), Tirana (3 flights), Thessaloniki (1 flight), Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Dubrovnik, Munich, etc., as well as from popular places recreation - the Adriatic resorts of Montenegro and the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria.

Between Moscow and Skopje 2600 km on roads 7 various countries. For such a trip, you should take care of a multiple Schengen visa for yourself and a “green card” for a car in advance.

Transport

Skopje's public transport network includes dozens of bus and tram routes covering the entire city and suburbs. Recently, the bus fleet has been significantly updated, now it is based on red double-decker buses like London ones, only made in China. They go on line at 5:00 and finish work at 23:00. A one-time pass can be purchased from the driver and from newsstands. If you plan to travel a lot, you should buy a SKOPSK contactless payment card at a kiosk - travel with it is 40% cheaper than with a single ticket.

Bus number 12 goes to the monastery of St. Nikola Shishevsky, bus number 19 goes to the Museum of Modern Art, and bus number 2 goes to the City Mall, the largest shopping center in the city.

Regular buses depart from the bus station located in the city center near the railway station to Serbia, Albania, Croatia, countries of Western and Northern Europe. From here you can also go to the largest cities of Macedonia - Bitola, Kumanovo, Prilep and Ohrid, popular among tourists (1 time per hour, 3 hours 10 minutes). For travel within the country, trains are almost never used. So, compared to a bus, traveling to Belgrade is railway will cost 1.5-2 cheaper, but the travel time will also increase by the same amount.

The average cost of a taxi ride around the city is 300 MKD. Payment for travel by meter and only in cash. Taxis are waiting for passengers at dedicated parking lots, in addition, the car can be called by phone.

Bicycles for rent

The streets of Skopje are not overloaded with transport and it is convenient to move around on a bicycle. There are several large bike stations in the city center where you can rent one. The most popular are located next to the City Hospital (Philip II Macedonian St.), near the Flower Bazaar (Narodny Front St.) and in the Macedonian Falanga multi-storey garage on Sq. Macedonia. Opening hours: from April to November from 7:00 to 22:00.

Many hotels and even hostels provide their guests with bicycles for free use.

Car rental in Skopje

A car in Skopje is needed for outings into nature and trips to sights located outside the city. You can rent a car at the airport, where there are counters of Avis, Sixt, Europcar and other international companies. In the City Shopping Center next to the square. Macedonia has offices of local companies Setkom Rent and Kompas Holidays. Here you can also rent a car with a driver.

International and most local companies prohibit driving a rented car to neighboring Albania and Kosovo. This problem can be solved by contacting the Macedonian distributor Mida Rent a Car, which has offices at the airport and in the center of Skopje.

Morning and evening traffic in the city is quite intense, but there are no traffic jams. For long distance travel it is better to use toll roads, which have the status of international and are maintained in good condition. Many roads in the vicinity of Skopje are a narrow serpentine in need of repair, on which two cars can hardly pass. In order to avoid trouble, cars should be left in guarded parking lots, especially since the parking fee is relatively low.

Skopje Hotels

Of particular interest are hotels located in the center. For those who are used to not denying themselves anything, the five-star Stone Bridge and Arka are suitable. Despite the status, they are not distinguished by high prices - at the peak of the season a double room costs 5900 MKD. The greatest demand is for 4 * hotels that combine reasonable prices (from 2100 MKD) and quality service. True, few of them can boast of having a swimming pool or a wellness center.

Hotels 2-3 * (from 1100 MKD) - the choice of budget tourists who come to Skopje for 1-2 days. As a rule, they are located 15-30 minutes walk from the center and many do not have restaurants. Most a budget option- hostels, where a place in a dormitory room for 10 people costs 535 MKD.

Regardless of the number of stars, all hotels have free Wi-Fi and parking.

shopping

There are three large shopping centers in Skopje with a good selection of clothes, shoes and accessories - City Mall (Jubjanska St. 4) with more expensive brands and a wide range, Ramstore (official website in English), conveniently located in the city center, and Gorodskoy Shopping Center (Key 13 Noemvri St.) with inexpensive quality locally produced clothing.

Shopping centers are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, shops from 9:00 to 21:00. Sales traditionally take place in December-January and July-August.

The best choice of souvenirs is in the Old Town, which has the fame of perhaps the largest oriental bazaar in Europe. Among the works of local craftsmen are Balkan chasing on copper, embroidery, ceramic dishes, dolls in national costumes and even full costumes. Good, but expensive carved wooden icons and paintings. Fans of rummaging through old things will surely find something interesting in the numerous collapses. They are no less impressive than the local fruit and vegetable markets.

In addition to authentic souvenirs, the shops of the Old Town have a large selection of jewelry, including Ohrid pearls, light leather shoes from local manufacturers, Muslim women's clothing, woven carpets and rugs. On T-shirts, magnets, plates and key chains popular among tourists, in addition to the landscapes of Skopje, you can often see the image of the Vergina Star - the ancient symbol of the Macedonian kings.

Cuisine and restaurants in Skopje

The national Macedonian cuisine is one of the variants of the Balkan cuisine with a strong Turkish influence. It contains all the same kebabs and puff pies-bureks with meat or vegetables. And the soups that are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner: chicken “soup pie”, beef “soup cart” or “shkembe chorba” - a thick tripe soup with rice, potatoes and ground sweet pepper. An unmistakable choice for the second - a large flat cutlet "pleskavitsa", roll "pork uviyach", grilled "skara lamb" or "selsko meso" - a dish of various types of meat stewed with mushrooms and vegetables. “Aivar” is a good garnish - vegetable caviar made from sweet red pepper and baked eggplant. The menu also includes vegetarian dishes, such as baked vegetables "zelenchuk na skara".

The most popular restaurants and cafes are located in the city center - on Key 13 Noemvri and 11 Oktomvri streets, on Macedonia Square and in the Old Town. Along with Macedonian, Turkish, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisines are served here.

When choosing a restaurant, keep in mind that some establishments in the Muslim Old City do not have alcohol, not even beer.

Authentic Macedonian cuisine and the most delicious meat should be found in restaurants of the middle price segment. The portions here are generous, and the cost of a two-course lunch is well within 250-400 MKD. Expensive restaurants indulge in exquisite interiors, European menus and, accordingly, European prices. Dinner with wine will cost them already 1000-1200 MKD. But a quick snack of pancakes and a cup of coffee in a bakery will ruin a tourist for only 160 MKD.

Best photos of Skopje

Guides in Skopje

Entertainment and attractions in Skopje

Among the old city buildings, you will not immediately notice the Orthodox Church of the Holy Savior. According to the rules that existed in Muslim Skopje, none of the Christian temples could be higher than even the most inconspicuous mosque. Therefore, the church is half underground. You should definitely come here for the sake of a 6-meter carved walnut iconostasis, made in the style of the Balkan baroque.

To the west, the fortress of Kale rises above the Old City, built by the Byzantines and later fortified by the Ottomans and turned into an important strategic outpost by them.

The medieval Stone Bridge across the Vardar River connects the Old Town with Zarechye, the renovated center of the Macedonian capital with pompous classical buildings built as part of the Skopje 2014 project. On central square Macedonia - the largest in the city, a giant equestrian monument to Alexander the Great with a height of 8-story building and 23 more monuments to various historical characters were installed. Its architectural ensemble looks especially impressive with the onset of darkness, when the night illumination of buildings and musical fountains turns on.

Among other iconic buildings of Skopje 2014 are the building of the Archaeological Museum, which looks like an ancient temple, the triumphal arch "Gate of Macedonia" and the pedestrian Bridge of Civilizations with numerous figures of saints and the Bridge of Arts with statues of artists, poets and singers.

3 km from Skopje in the village of Gorno Nezari there is a unique church of St. Panteleimon of the 12th century. Her frescoes were made in the 16th century and in the 2nd half of the 19th century.

5 things to do in Skopje

1. Explore Skopje from upper deck tourist double-decker bus.
2. Think of the eternal at the Mother Teresa Memorial Museum, built in her hometown on the site of the church where, on August 27, 1910, the future saint and Nobel Peace Prize winner was baptized.
3. Find familiar historical characters on triumphal arch"Gate of Macedonia".
4. Cheer up Turkish coffee with oriental sweets in the coffee house of the Old Town.
5. Climb the cable car to the mountain Krtstovar to the Millennium Cross, installed on the anniversary of the adoption of Christianity by the Macedonians.

Weather

The weather in Skopje is characterized by not very hot summers and quite comfortable winters. In April, the first buds burst and pale green grass appears. In May, it is already quite warm, roses and pale pink magnolia are blooming. June is saturated with the smells of linden and lilac. July is the hottest month, but stuffiness is almost not felt. September and October are Indian summer months with warm days, cool nights and almost no rain. The most beautiful month is November, when the mountains surrounding Skopje turn orange-gold and temperatures are conducive to long walks in nature. In winter, when there are almost no tourists, snow-covered Skopje is somewhat reminiscent of a city from a Christmas fairy tale.