Skopje - the pearl of the Balkans.
🌍 Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is a city full of charm and stories. 🏙️
This city has a profound history. It has been ruled by the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and other periods, leaving a wealth of historical sites. For example, the Kale Fortress, located on the left bank of the Vardar River, was built in the 6th century, and the magnificent view of the entire city can be overlooked from the fortress. There is also the ancient stone bridge, built in 1880, miraculously preserved in the 1963 earthquake, and it is still an important passage for pedestrians to shuttle between the two banks.
The architectural style of Skopje is diverse. The old bazaar on the north bank of the river is a concentration of Ottoman architecture. The mosques, stone buildings, and traditional Turkish houses here are full of exotic customs. Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Isa Bey Mosque, etc., attract people with their exquisite architecture and unique religious atmosphere. The south bank of the river is a gathering place for modern buildings, showing the new look of Skopje.
In terms of culture, Skopje is even more unique. This is the hometown of Mother Teresa. The Mother Teresa Memorial Hall was built to commemorate this great Nobel Peace Prize winner. The museum displays her life and contributions to charity, which is admirable. On the Macedonian Square, the statue of Alexander the Great riding a horse and waving a knife is majestic, surrounded by a group of lions, as if telling the glorious history of this great commander.
The food in Skopje is also not to be missed 😋. The local specialty dishes blend the flavors of the Balkan Peninsula, and the barbecue, cheese products, etc. are delicious. In the lively markets and restaurants, you can taste authentic North Macedonian cuisine and feel the local fireworks.
In short, Skopje is a city that combines history and modernity, culture and food, waiting for you to explore and discover its unique charm 🎉.