The Balkans Travel with Balkland: Visit Skopje City!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!