Introduction
The Balkans Travel is always an interesting and unpredictable experience! A large number of Balkan cultural monuments, historical stories, delicious food, and natural landscapes are waiting for you!
More than nine Balkan countries hide many interesting stories about their origin and the way of life of the people who live there. That’s why Balkan tours are a great way to visit as many Balkan countries as possible in a short period!
North Macedonia is a country in the Balkans that carries with it a great history from which comes the great and famous name – Alexander the Great. Right in North Macedonia, Skopje, there is a statue of Alexander the Great, which you must visit!
During our Balkan tours which last 12 days, one whole day will be dedicated to visiting the Old and New parts of Skopje city. Get to know this city’s incredible buildings and beauty and set off from Balkland on an unforgettable adventure!
The Balkans Travel: Explore Skopje City
Skopje city is the largest and capital city of North Macedonia. According to the last census, about 1,836,713 inhabitants live in this city of 571 km2. Skopje city is widely known by the nickname European capital of kitsch. Opinions are divided about this nickname. And for you to form your own opinion, you must visit this city!
“Skopje 2014” project
Why the nickname European capital of kitsch? The wars that took place throughout the Balkans also affected the capital of North Macedonia and therefore affected the very appearance of the city. However, in 1936, Skopje was hit by a powerful earthquake that killed around 1,000 people. The lost lives were accompanied by the destruction of this city.
Many attractions and symbols that made this city special were destroyed. However, in 2014, a major renovation and improvement of Skopje city began. The construction of various statues scattered throughout this city absorbed a total expenditure of 600 million euros.
During the “Skopje 2014” project, authorities installed as many as 42 statues in the strict city center in a single night, setting a world record! Builders erected statues dedicated to numerous Greek and North Macedonian heroes, alongside the construction of two new bridges. Bridge of Art and Bridge of Civilization.
During our Balkan tours and your visit to Skopje, you will be able to decide whether Skopje is rightfully nicknamed the European capital of kitsch or not!
Statues and sculptures
The Balkans Travel with Balkland brings you the opportunity to visit all these statues and sculptures that, together with the North Macedonian authorities, broke the world record! In Skopje city, there is also a copy of the Triumphal Arch and the Bull from Wall Street.
You can take fantastic photos next to numerous fountains and lion statues. They also constructed giant ships, which are not sailing vessels but restaurants! Some of the more famous statues are the statues of Emperor Samuilo, Gota Delčev, and Justinian.
Did you know? Skopje has been declared the “European Capital of Culture” for 2028!
Old Bazar Skopje City
As we mentioned at the beginning, Skopje city has an old and a new part of the city. So far, we have talked about the new part of the city, which was built spectacularly, but we will also pay enough attention to the old part of the city.
In one of our Balkan tours, one of the activities is a tour of Old Bazar Skopje, which dates back to the 12th century. The Old Bazar embodies a fusion of different cultures, evident in both its architecture and the variety of products available. Here you will find different traditional shops.
Also, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque located in the Old Bazaar is a witness to the rich past of Skopje.
Millennium Cross
The people of North Macedonia proudly emphasize their religion. As a symbol of the Christian faith, they erected a cross called the Millennium Cross in 2002. Its imposing structure and height of about 66 meters make it one of the largest crosses in the world.
They constructed the cross on Vodno mountain, offering a perfect view of the entire city of Skopje. In addition to their great religious importance, both crosses also bring a tourist attraction to Skopje. People from various parts of the world come to admire this architectural and engineering feat.
The Millennium Cross boasts a lattice design reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower and stands atop a custom-built platform. Namely, the platform with twelve pillars symbolically represents the twelve apostles mentioned in the Christian faith. Six years after its construction, engineers installed an elevator inside the cross, providing access to the top. At a height of 66 meters, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Skopje city!
Millennium Cross can be reached by a two-hour walk, but also by cable car. The cable car that leads to the top of Vodno Mountain offers a great view of the entire city of Skopje. Many tourists most often use this alternative to enjoy the incredible view!
Panteleimon Church
After visiting Millennium Cross, you can quickly reach Panteleimon Church. Panteleimon Church is located in the village of Gorno Nerezi near Skopje city. That is another strong Christian symbol in Skopje. This church honors Saint Panteleimon, the saint and patron of doctors. The church has undergone many changes, both geographical and historical, which is why it is of great importance to the people of North Macedonia.
Panteleimon Church looks the same as the traditional Orthodox churches that are characteristic of this part of the Balkans. In addition to its religious significance and allure, many tourists come to this church specifically to admire the frescoes and icons preserved since the 12th century.
Mother Teresa Memorial House
The opening of the Mother Teresa Memorial House in 2009 signifies Skopje city’s pride in the individuals hailing from this region. Memorial House is dedicated to the life and work of Blessed Mother Teresa.
Within this museum complex, various objects are on display, with the most significant and interesting being Mother Teresa’s birthplace, reconstructed and transformed into a museum. Everyone who comes can visit the room where she was born and pay tribute to her spiritual heritage in that place.
On the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Mother Teresa, authorities officially inaugurated this memorial house, delighting a large number of tourists who eagerly visit and explore this complex!
Historical building: Kale Fortress
All the statues and monuments we talked about are located in the center of Skopje city. However, when you leave the city center a little, you will be greeted by the great cultural heritage of Skopje – Kale Fortress.
During the Balkans Travel, we saw that all Balkan countries have fortresses that are of great historical and defensive importance for that country. What Kruja Castle and Rozafa Castle for Albania, it is also the Kale Fortress for North Macedonia.
Kale Fortress dates back to the Roman period and has witnessed many historical events and changes of government. The fortress bears a significant imprint from those events, earning recognition for its towers, walls, and various archaeological objects and remnants.
The fortress is located above the river Vardar, and this is exactly what makes it special. From this fortress, there is a spectacular panoramic view of the city and all the statues in Skopje!
Statue of Alexander the Great in Skopje City
You must be wondering, How come we haven’t mentioned the famous Alexander the Great yet? His story deserves a special place.
The famous general Alexander the Great is the most famous personality of the ancient world who played a big role in the history of this region. The “Skopje 2014” project saw the construction of a monumental sculpture of Alexander the Great, a soldier on horseback
Hi, I’m Mike—co-founder of Balkland and your on-the-ground tour leader. I’m involved from the first message to the final farewell, making sure everything feels effortless and every day feels designed around you.