SKOPJE

There is, for example, the telecommunication building of Naum Jovkovski: a concrete Gollum who with its bull's eyes and tentacleslooks as if he wanted to stand up and instantly run away. Only his age seems to keep him from escaping. Its facade is covered with clefts, the once glowing colours are only scarcely recognisable. The concrete does not benefit from its age, especially not if it is not maintained-various examples in the city give proof of that.

At the otherbank of the river Vardar the old Skopje with its oriental influence is still preserved. Ottomans ruled the city for more than 500 years.During the Ottoman reign various mosques, baths and bazars were built.Nowadays mainly Albanian Muslims live in the little Muslim district in Skopje, whereas Orthodox Christian Macedonians live in the modern partof the city. The difference between the two parts could not be bigger.Skopje is, however, unique with its different cultural influences and contrasts. The city doesn't come up to what is generally known as beauty but it definitely has a certain and special charm.

Airport and transport
The international airport of the Macedonian capital is divided into a civilian and a military part. Except for the Macedonian army, the Nato also uses a part of the aerodrome. The airport is situated about 25 km outside the city. You can travel to the city either by bus or taxi.

Roads
The road network of Skopje is relatively good but especially in winter it is difficult to get to the high mountain regions. On most of the highways you have to pay toll. Currently, international traffic only leads to Skopje via Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria. If you come from Italy or Slovenia you can take the ferry to Albania and then continue on to Macedonia. Between Macedonia and Albania you find the boarder crossing points at the Lake Prespa, Lake Ohrid and in Debar.

Old Turkish Bridge
The Kamen Most (stone bridge) is situated above the river Vardar. The present bridge is presumably dated from the 15 the century but there already was a bridge in this area in the 6th century. It is designed for walkers. Traders are also selling their goods on the bridge.

Old Fortress
A bit north of the stone bridge you find the Tvrdna Kale (Kale fortress). From this 11th century fortress you can only see some remains of the ancient walls which are situated in a fabulous park.

Hamam (Turkish bath) in the historic district
If you walk on the bridge in the north direction along the pedestrian zone you will pass the remains of the Daud-Pascha bath. It was built around 1466 and was the biggest bath on the Balkan Peninsula then. Nowadays the National Gallery of Art uses the premises for exhibitions.

Old Railway Station
The old railway station of Skopje is really worth a visit. Due to the heavy vibration during the earthquake the railway station's clock stopped and has not been touched since then. In the intact part of the station the Musej na grad Skopje (city museum) is situated.

Festivals in Skopje
At the end of July the Summer Festival is arranged, the biggest art festival in Macedonia. Concerts, exhibitions and performances provide Skopje with new ideas. In the middle of October the city arranges what they name "the best jazz festival in Europe".

Feasts Besides Christian feasts the following feasts are celebrated in Skopje: May 24th (Saints' Day), August 2nd (National Day), September 8th (Independence Day) and October 11th (Day of the Macedonian Rebellion).

Except for Muslim districts local beer varieties and hard liquors (raki) are available in all of the bars and restaurants in the city. Sometimes even Muslim inhabitants enjoy some glasses themselves, or at least do not mind if others do so.

In Bulgaria you often get Ajvar "Balkan salsa". In autumn many Macedonian families meet, to preserve their ajvar-stock for the winter. They use the sauce as a spread, for meat or simply enjoy it with a spoon out of the glass.

Best Western
In 2002 the hotel was competely renovated. It offers 74 air-conditioned rooms with cable-TV and internet access as well as a fully furnished business center with conference rooms for up to 50 persons. In the comfortable restaurant of the hotel you can enjoy international and Macedonian specialities. The hotel is centrally located and it only takes you some minutes of walking to get to the most important sights like the parliament and Mother Teresa's birthplace.
Gjuro Sturgar 11, Tel.: 328 91 11, double rooms € 138,–

Imperial Hotel
This hotel combines old and new, thus antiquities with modern furniture and artworks. In the hotel bar you can taste Raki and exquisite Macedonian wines. The hotel is situated in quiet surroundings and offers a wonderful view over the city and the mountain Vodno. The city centre is about 2 km away.
Blagoja Gojan 24, Tel.: 273 60 53, double rooms € 50,–

In Kale and Stara Charshija you will find the most popular clubs, various coffee houses and music pubs. Another hot spot is Kafana: You can listen to typical folk music and sometimes guests are even dancing on the tables.

Techno clubs are not very common in Skopje but you will be compensated by countless clubs with live music. Moreover there are lots of jazz clubs and rock palaces. Dyed-in-the-wool lovers of goa and house music will also get their money's worth in corresponding clubs.

Gradski Trgovski Centar
One of the biggest shopping malls in Skopje. Especially in lukewarm summer nights young people meet here in one of the small coffee houses. You should also visit the small music shop "Jugoton" where the latest Macedonian music is available.

Leptokarija
Leptokarija Mall is a small and comfortable shopping mall. Presents, fashion, groceries and flowers are on offer. In one of the small cafes you can take a break and watch the passing people.

Öffnungszeiten
Shops in Skopje are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., sometimes even until 9.p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m.

Popular Macedonian souvenirs include artful pieces of embroidery, wood carvings as well as potteries. The regional schnapps variety Raki is also a typical gift. Ajvar, the spicy Balkan sauce, is available on all markets and in many supermarkets, depending on the season you can either buy it fresh or in glasses.

Attention: Most of the traders on the Old Turkish Bridge only offer goods of low quality. The choice and quality of goods in the historic district is much better.