Oh Skopje!
We had never prepared so long for any trip as much as we did for our return to the Balkans this summer. We are glad it paid off well. We made lots of wonderful memories and our trip to Skopje made it extra special. It was a small city but packed with wonderful attractions.
Just like any visitor to the city, we were amazed by the sheer number of statues and monuments. They were everywhere. Many paid homage to local heroes while others acknowledged the role of certain people in society like artists and mothers. I did some research as to the number and found out that there were over 284 and most were built between 2008 and 2014. One internet article even jokingly said that there were more statues than inhabitants. My partner even stated that the entire city exuded a Las Vegas feel.
A view of Macedonia Square from atop the Skopje Fortress
The imposing statue of Alexander the Great in Macedonia Square
It was scorching hot the entire day everyday we were in Skopje but I was definitely happy to be there. It was country #116 for us!
A view of Macedonia Square from the centuries old Roman Bridge. On one end of the bridge was the square while on the other was the very lively and interesting Old Bazaar.
The Macedonia Gate
The monument of Byzantine tsar and emperor Justinian I made of white marble. My research indicated that the statue was made as part of the Skopje 2014. It is 16.5 feet tall on a 11.5 feet base.
At the Skopje Fortress
At the Water Supply Enterprise Building
The Old Telegraph Building at the base of the Skopje Fortress
The Government Building
I have to say, the Old Bazaar was one of my favorite sights in all of Skopje. It looked like a city within a city. It was very Muslim with a very rich and vibrant culture. Here there were shops galore selling anything and everything under the sun catering to both the locals and tourists alike.
I was surprised to see so many stores selling gold jewelry in the Old Bazaar.
At a parking lot adjacent to a Hamam turned museum
We saw around three imitation galleon ships on the Vardar river in downtown Skopje. One was actually a restaurant and bar. The other two were empty, locked and vacated.
The Memorial Home of Mother Teresa, born in North Macedonia, was just steps away from Macedonia Square.
A closer view of the main facade of the Sobranie Palace and Assembly Building
The Sobranie Palace is the Assembly Building in Skopje
The Liberators of Skopje monument in the park across the Sobranie Palace or Assembly Building
This is the Marriott Hotel right in Macedonia Square. Our hotel, the IBIS, was located right behind it.