The capital of Macedonia, Skopje is widely known around the world for being the birthplace of Mother Therese of Calcutta. However, this city which is located in the north of the country has also a lot of cool places to be explored.
Here are the top 10 places in Skopje that you should not skip under any circumstances when in the town:
Memorial House of Mother Theresa
As already mentioned, Mother Theresa of Calcutta was born and raised in the capital of Macedonia, Skopje. For that purpose in her honor 10 years ago in Skopje was built a memorial house on the location where the old Catholic church “Sacred Heart of Jesus” (the one where she was baptized) used to stand. Inside that house, you could explore the life of Mother Theresa and find realistic sculptures of herself and her family.
Location: Macedonia St bb, Skopje 1000, Macedonia (FYROM)
Hours of operation: Monday- Friday: 9 am- 8pm; Saturday- Friday: 9 am- 2 pm
Millennium Cross
Wanna see the most spectacular panoramic view of Skopje? If yes, just catch the local bus and head straight to Mount Vodno to then catch a cable-car and get to the top of the mount. There not only you would be able to see the entire city in front of you, but you would also see the world’s highest cross (66 meters) ever built! The Millennium Cross whose lights could be seen from each side of the city every night was constructed to honor the 2000 years of Christianity.
Location: Mount Vodno
Hours of operation: Tuesday- Sunday: 10 am- 8 pm
Warrior on Horse
Situated on the main square of Skopje, this giant statue of Macedonia’s greatest king ever -Alexander The Great and his horse Bucephalus, is perhaps the most visited landmark in the country. This statue, which is also a fountain during summer days, weighs 30 tons and is 28 meters tall. Truth to be told, you would be surprised how many statues of Macedonian warriors and national heroes you would find on the main square so check it out!
Location: Square Macedonia
Kale Fortress
Constructed in the 6th century during the rule of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Kale Fortress’ 121 meters of its wall and the three watchtowers are still part of Skopje’s cityscape. Not only this place will take you back to ancient times, but you could also catch a great panoramic view of Skopje and the Vardar River.
Location: Skopje Citadel, Old town of Skopje
Hours of operation: Monday- Sunday: 8 am- 6 pm
Holocaust Memorial Center for the Jews of Macedonia
Situated in the Old Jewish Quarter of Skopje, the Holocaust Memorial Center is a multi-media center dedicated to the 7, 148 Macedonian Jews who died in the Holocaust, one of the few Holocaust memorial centers in the world. There you can see maps, documents, photos, and videos of the Jews of Macedonia who were transported to Treblinka by Bulgaria.
Location: Iljo Vojvoda, Skopje 1000, Macedonia (FYROM)
Hours of operation: Tuesday- Sunday: 9 am – 7 pm
City Park of Skopje
The City Park of Skopje is actually like the Macedonian version of Central Park. It is located in the heart of the city and it is the spot of the town where the locals and expats go when they want to chill and enjoy the beauty of mother nature. There are also some cafes and restaurants where you can get a coffee or a bite or two.
Location: Centre of Skopje
Hour of operation: Every day, anytime
Church of St. Clement of Ohrid
Dedicated to St. Clement of Ohrid, one of the establishers of the Cyrillic alphabet, this church is most popular for its unique architecture which differs from the usual church design in Macedonia. It is the largest Macedonian Orthodox church which was consecrated in 1990 on the 1150 birthday of St. Clement of Ohrid, 12 August.
Location: Boulevard Partizanski Odredi 17, Skopje 1000, Macedonia
Hours of operation: Every day, anytime
The Church of Holy Saviour
A fun fact about this church is that it was built during the time when Macedonia was still under Ottoman reign when Christian churches were not allowed to have their authentic exterior look. For that purpose, although the exterior does not appear like a church, the interior will fascinate you with its brilliant iconostasis.
On top of that, the yard of the house is also the eternal home of one of the greatest Macedonian national heroes – Goce Delchev who was the leader of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization and made a significant contribution for Macedonia to finally break free from the 5 centuries-long Ottoman reigns.
Location: Samoilova, Skopje 1000
Hours of operation: Tuesday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm; Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm
Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Considered to be the most beautiful Islamic building in the country, Mustafa Pasha Mosque is situated in the Old Bazaar which dates back to the Ottoman era.
The most spectacular place in this mosque is the beautiful rose garden which is the eternal home of the daughter of Mustafa Pasha.
Location: Old Bazaar, Skopje 1000, Macedonia
Hours of operation: Every day, anytime
Old Bazaar
The Old Bazaar is located in the old part of Skopje and it is considered to be the largest bazaar in the Balkans! The Old Bazaar was built during the Ottoman era and today this living museum is home to many unique shops, restaurants, Daut Pasha Hammam, and Mustafa Pasha Mosque.
Location: Old Bazaar, Old town of Skopje
Hours of operation: Every day, anytime
Final Thoughts
Skopje is definitely the heart of Macedonia. I moved there a few years ago and to this day I am still discovering new places to visit and new things to do in Skopje. Therefore, next time you are in Macedonia or somewhere near, make sure to visit Skopje and explore Skopje by yourself.
Further reading:
Before you go to Macedonia: Learn how to act like a born and raised Macedonian
