Where History and Nature Meet | Reasons To Add Skopje To Your Bucket List | Art of Saudade

The chances that Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, is on your bucket list may be low, but this post will change your mind.

This city located in the heart of the Balkans will conquer the hearts of history lovers. Inhabited since the Neolithic era, Skopje became part of Dardania, the Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Serbian, and Ottoman Empires. Today, the Macedonian capital is a witness to the historical encounter of different ethnicities, religions, cultures, and languages.

As you walk the streets of Skopje, you can notice a strong cultural and linguistic diversity. Apart from the Macedonian language, you can hear some Albanian, Turkish, Serbian, Aromanian, Romani, and the list goes on.

Did you know? The Albanian Catholic nun and Nobel Prize laureate Mother Teresa was born in Skopje. She lived in Skopje for 18 years before moving to Ireland and India.

Walking from Square Macedonia, you’ll see dozens of statues depicting ancient and medieval rulers, renowned artists, and figures from different eras. The statues are quite kitschy and unnecessary if you ask locals, but they’re still an inevitable part of the city.

The Kale Fortress is one of the best historical highlights of the city, built during the rule of emperor Justinian I. The real multicultural life can be observed in the old town, where you can hear church bells and call for prayers at the same time, as well as feel the smell and taste of Turkish coffee and Turkish delights.