Skopje is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, and is situated at an altitude of 254m above sea level. South of the town lies mount Vodno, with its peak Krstovar (1066m). Immediately behind it stretches the massif of mount Jakupica or Karadzica with its highest peak - Solunska Glava (2540m). Today Skopje is a modern city, but at the same time an ancient city with deep roots in the past and with a rich history. The town was known as early as the Roman period under the name of Skupi. Chroniclers have noted that important events in the history of Skopje have occurred in 518 A.D. The town was attacked by barbarian tribes and was destroyed in an earthquake. After this earthquake, another town was erected a few kilometres away from the old location. Later the town on the banks of the river Vardar, received the name of Skopje.
The city of Skopje has experienced a swift development, particularly since the Second World War. On a frightening day in July 1963, another strong earthquake damaged or completely destroyed about 80 percent of the buildings and killed more than 1,000 people. Thanks to the world solidarity, Skopje was quickly rebuilt around the shattered railroad terminal, which was left as a memorial, with a broken clock marking the time of the earthquake 5:17 in the morning. Many of the historic memorials have been restored, including the 15 th-century Stone Bridge across the Vardar. Some other monuments from the past that are found in and around Skopje are Kale fortress which is on a hill, and which dominates the whole Skopje valley. Excavations give evidence that life existed there in the late Neolithic and Bronze ages, while the citadel was built after the earthquake in 518. Also the Bit-pazar is one of the attractions of the city, it is the main market place. Kursumli-han (inn) is near Bit-pazar, this Turkish building is the synonym for the old part of Skopje.
Some exhibits from the Archaeological Museum and lapidarium have been placed in the Kursumli-han. The Daut pasin hamam-an art gallery is located very near the Vardar river. Some of the monuments of the Revolution are: The monument to the victims of the revolution located close to Goce Delcev bridge, and the monument of Goce Delcev. Goce Delcev is the most striking figure of the revolutionary movement of the Macedonian people. The monument of the victims of the earthquake is situated in the Skopje cemetery. Some of the other places of interest are: the church of St. Spas, St. Pantelejmon in Nerezi, St. Nicholas, Marko's monastery, The Mother of Jesus church, St Archangel church, the monastery of St. Nikita, the monastery of St. Andrea, the monastery of St. Nichola, and the monastery of Matka. Today Skopje is a beautiful modern city which is becoming an important diplomatic centre in the Balkans, especially with being the political, economic, cultural and academic centre of Macedonia. It harbours the seats of all state institutions, the Archbishop of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, and other major religious communities.
It is also the major industrial, trading and banking centre of Macedonia. It is the heart of the Macedonian metal-processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, electrical and graphic industries.
Skopje has a modern road system and the city public transport is provided by buses. Skopje plays a vital part in the cultural and academic life of the country, especially seating the Macedonian Academy of Science and Arts, and "Kiril i Metodij" University. There is a large National and University Library, The Macedonian National Theatre, and its Drama, Opera and Ballet company's, the Drama Theatre, the Theatre of the Nationalities, the Philharmonic of Macedonia, Macedonian Radio and Television... There are also the Archives of Macedonia, The Museums of Macedonia (Archaeological, Historical and Ethnological), the natural History Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, several art Galleries, and other important cultural and scientific institutions.
Skopje is one of the biggest junctions leading in all directions. The railroad passes through Skopje connecting Europe with the Middle East, the International train "Balkan Express". Further, Skopje is connected by rail to most of the parts in Macedonia, and Skopje is also served by air routes. Skopje airport, is a modern airport equipped with all necessary devices for night and blind landings. |
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