Skopje, Capital city in the Skopje Basin, North Macedonia.
Skopje sits at 270 meters above sea level and stretches along both banks of the Vardar River, surrounded by mountains that shape the landscape. The city combines modern neighborhoods with Ottoman buildings and a large historical center that invites walking.
The city began in Roman times as Scupi and later became an Ottoman administrative center for five centuries until 1912. After a destructive earthquake in 1963 it was rebuilt on a large scale.
The Old Bazaar is one of the largest marketplaces in the Balkans, where craftsmen work in small workshops and traditional restaurants serve local dishes. In the narrow lanes you hear different languages and see old techniques passed down through generations.
The Stone Bridge connects the modern city center with the historical quarter, making it easy to explore both parts on foot. Most sights lie within walking distance and are accessible without much effort.
A major earthquake in 1963 destroyed 80 percent of the city and led to a large reconstruction that shaped its current architectural character. Many international architects took part in the project, including Japanese planner Kenzo Tange.
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