Cultural sightseeing in Macedonia. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Macedonia is a small country in the south-eastern part of Europe, promising visitors a lot of new and unexplored things. Life in it is flowing steadily among the majestic mountains and crystal clear lakes, the ruins of ancient buildings, and pastoral villages that look almost the same as it did a century ago. Native Macedonians constitute the majority of the population of the country, but Albanians and other national minorities also live here. This is why the astonishing mixture of the Balkan, Mediterranean, and Turkish features is so vividly reflected in the architectural appearance of the Macedonian cities. The Capital of Macedonia is Skopje, which has survived several earthquakes and wars. In it, old lanes with ancient mosques coexist alongside new quarters constructed in an antique style.

A true symbol of the capital is the stone bridge over the Vardar River, built in the 15th century. After several reconstructions, it looks great and copes well with its role as an important transport link between the old and new parts of Skopje. On the main square of the country you can see the fountain “Warrior on a horse”, depicting Alexander the Great. This sculptural composition which is more than 25 meters high was opened in the year 2011. There is also located the cream-beige Risti Palace, erected in the early 20th century by the Pharmacist Vladislav Ristic under the project of architect Dragutin Maslac. Over the balconies of the second floor you can see snow-white sculptures. Today, the building now houses shops and offices. In Skopje, you will also find the most ancient Kale fortress, whose construction began in the 1st century A.D. From the square of Macedonia through a picturesque park, there are paved paths which lead to the stone walls. In the museums situated on the territory of the fortress, you can see unique archaeological discoveries.

Church of the Holy Savior is an architectural monument of the 17th century, which is preserved in its original form. The iconostasis with engraving is located inside the building decorated with graceful carving, and the walls are covered with ancient mural paintings. Next to the Old Market is the medieval Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which both Muslims as well as Gentiles visit, to admire its interior decoration. To get acquainted with the ancient history of Macedonia, it is worth visiting the National Archaeological Museum. In this Majestic Building of Italian marble are stored the Byzantine treasures found during excavations, amongst them, the reconstruction of the skulls of ancient Macedonians, and the reduced copies of religious buildings. The National Gallery of Macedonia occupies the building of the former Turkish baths near the Old Turkish Bazaar. Its collection includes masterpieces of painting from the 14th century. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The most beautiful city in the country is considered to be Ohrid – a resort city on the hilly shore of the purest lake. In the wooded area near it, there is an ancient historical place where among the ruins of the 5th century stands the mosaic-decorated Church of St. Panteleimon. In the heart of the city is the ancient amphitheater, whose age dates back to 200 BC. In this beautifully preserved building are held concerts, festivals, and theatrical performances. In Ohrid, there is the Robev Palace, built for the family of Robev. This grandiose building is a sample of classical architecture of the 19th century. The Palace houses the National Museum, which has on display gold posthumous masks, chased silver cups, bronze helmets, and a collection of coins.

Above the Ohrid Lake is Samuil’s stronghold, a 10th century fortress erected by the Bulgarian Tsar Samuil, for the security of his possessions. The massive walls with towers look amazing. At the top gate you can see stones with Greek inscriptions, and in the inner walls, there are remains of an ancient Byzantine brick. On the lake is also located a unique archaeological complex – the museum “Bay of Bones”. It unites several floating houses, thus recreating an ancient fishing town. The Museum has an archaeological exposition, as well as a camping site for tourists. One of the most revered Christian shrines is also located in the city – the amazing Church of St. Sophia built in the 11th century. The interior is represented by amazing rare frescoes of the 11th-13th centuries.

Near the village of Vizbegovo, it is worth visiting the ancient aqueduct. It is an impressive architectural ensemble of fifty-five arches with a height of more than 15 meters. In the North of Macedonia, near the town of Kratovo is located Kuklica – more than a hundred quaint stone pillars of natural origin, similar to human figures. The place is covered with legends, and therefore is popular among tourists. To the south of Bitola is Heraclea Lyncestis – the ruins of the ancient city of the 4th-5th centuries BC. Also of interests are a well-preserved amphitheater, ancient walls, and remnants of floor mosaics. On the hill Tatichev Kamen, near the town of Kumanovo, stands a unique construction of Kokino – an ancient observatory, built from massive stone slabs. On the territory of the archaeological site can be seen many finds of the Bronze Age.