Come and See Skopje in The Balkans

Filed in archive Historic Travel , Travel on May 16, 2010

© Panoramas

With over 25% of the country's population, Skopje is Macedonia's largest and most diverse city. It has a long history marked by Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule, and possesses a wealth of ancient sites and intriguing relics.

But the Macedonian capital is also a youthful and modern city. Bars and cafes are in abundance, while modern shopping malls attract huge crowds. The city's mix of traditional and contemporary eateries mirrors its proud heritage as well as its modernizing aspirations.

Going immediately to the Kale Fortress in Skopje's old town will give you an immediate feel of the city's great history. Built by the Byzantines in the sixth century and featuring 121 meter long stone walls, Kale is the highest point in the city -- a very good spot for sightseers. It also features outdoor drama performances in the summer.

If religion is among your interests visit the St. Pantelejmon Monastery. Fifteen minutes away from downtown Skopje up on the forested slopes of Mount Vodno, the 12th century monastery has some of the most emotionally expressive examples of Byzantine art in existence. There is also a restaurant in its court-yard, serving authentic Macedonian cuisine cooked up by the inhabitant monks.



During the last few days of October, the Skopje Jazz Festival is a no-brainer. Started in 1982, the festival is reputed to be one of the best international jazz festivals in Europe with previous performers including blues legend Ray Charles, African kora star Mory Kante, and Cuban diva Omara Portundo.

The Ezerce is a grand pavilion-style restaurant hidden inside the inner city-oasis of Skopje's Gradski Park. The food is of Macedonian and international appeal. Live traditional music and cabaret are also on the menu most nights during the summer.

In Skopje's historic quarter, Beer House An has a reputation for it's traditional daily specials and its thoroughly ancestral feel. Spiced meatballs and stuffed vine leaves are highly recommended within the authentic medieval inn.

If you want to 'live like the locals' look for Skopje's numerous "kafanas". These are the Macedonian equivalent of an old-fashioned British pub, offering cheap and cheerful local grub with the lively swing of traditional Balkan folk music.

For something more western, go to the Taverna Toscana. It is a little slice of Italy that serves the familiar Mediterranean line-up at a reasonable price.

Shopping is great, too! The Turkish Bazaar or "Carsija" showcases wonderful specimen of municipal Ottoman architecture in the Balkans. Many of the capital's jewelers are centered here in a section known as Charshi (meaning "marketplace").

There is also the Gradski Trgovski shopping mall, a modern, three-story consumer paradise that also functions as a popular meeting point for many of the city's young. A great place to find ultra-cheap deals on everything from clothes to groceries. Try Jugotone's music shop on the third floor for a great variety of hard to find ethnic-rooted sounds.

The recently-opened Ramstore the shiny upmarket sibling to the Trgovski, packed with trendy bars, eateries and boutiques.

If you are looking for a surprise seek out New Age, a big garden shed converted into a coffee shop, hidden down an unsuspecting dead-end street near Skopje's largest Catholic church. Wobbly wooden furniture, chess-boards and plump cushions adorn this Hobbit's cove of a cafe, where patrons can choose from over 38 varieties of herbal tea.

After midnight, visit the vast Colosseum. It has techno and trance music. Definitely the place to be for the young ones and the young at heart.