The Macedonia capital celebrates the heritage of Alexander the Great, and the world is invited.
Holidaymakers seeking new adventures in Europe, take note: In Skopje, an up-and-coming Balkan destination, all roads lead to the mighty Alexander the Great.
The national capital of the Republic of Macedonia has an international airport and a major highway named after the legendary warrior-king.
Then, there is the unnamed eight-storey colossus that bears more than a passing resemblance to the conqueror and his beloved steed. Cast in bronze, it dominates the city’s main square alongside other supersized statues that keep watch over Skopje.
These giants are part of Skopje 2014, an ambitious four-year construction project that has placed this former Yugoslav republic high on travellers’ wish lists. Completed in 2014, the neo-classical facelift has transformed the 2,500-year-old city into one the country deemed worthy of Alexander the Great.
A stroll along Skopje’s squares and streets takes you past new statues, bridges, grand monuments, civic buildings and museums that show off the city’s burgeoning cultural hub status. Also not to be missed: Ancient attractions that let you take in Skopje’s richly layered Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman past.
Thanks to Qatar Airways, visitors looking to explore the legacy of Macedonia’s spiritual father need not ride into the city on a war horse. Skopje is now part of the much-lauded airline’s network of more than 150 cities worldwide. Four weekly flights are available between Singapore Changi Airport and Alexander the Great International Airport via the carrier’s hub in Doha.
Qatar Airways was a big winner at the 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards in June, picking up these accolades: Airline of the Year, Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.
Here’s what to do after getting to Skopje in style.
ENJOY VIEWS OF THE CITY FROM TVRDINA KALE FORTRESS
Take in a slice of Macedonian history at the medieval Tvrdina Kale Fortress.
Pay tribute to a soaring architectural treasure that has been protecting the city since the sixth century — the unmissable Tvrdina Kale Fortress (free entry). The majestic Game of Thrones-style ramparts at Carsija, a short walk from the city centre, sit at the city’s highest point and dominate its skyline. A stroll on this medieval structure that has outlasted empires lets you take in fantastic views and a slice of Macedonian history.
CROSS THE STONE BRIDGE
The graceful 15th-century Stone Bridge is a symbol of Skopje.
In this city of contrasts, a striking medieval symbol connects the lures of the Ottoman-era old bazaar to the city’s newly manufactured grandeur at Macedonia Square: The Stone Bridge that spans the River Vardar. Built on Roman foundations and constructed from solid stone blocks, this graceful, 15th-century icon is an Instagrammer’s dream — stunning by day and breathtaking at night when it is lit.
The enduring charm of Stone Bridge and crowds of people navigating the wide crossing make it easy to forget that the structure has a darker side: The leader of the anti-Ottoman Karposh uprising of 1689 was believed to have been executed here.
BE DAZZLED BY ICONS OF THE CITY
Whichever part of town you end up in after crossing Stone Bridge, you will see a side of Skopje that will make your trip unforgettable.
The Ottoman-era Daut Pasha hamam now functions as the National Gallery of Macedonia.
On the eastern bank of the Vardar lies the old bazaar that was the heart of the city in Byzantine and Ottoman days. Said to be the largest of its kind in the Balkans, this colourful tangle of streets is worth exploring for picture-perfect attractions such as medieval mosques, cafes serving authentic local eats, and shops selling everything from traditional crafts to fresh produce.
Cultural treasures close by include the 15th-century Daut Pasha hamam (or bathhouse), a gem of Ottoman architecture that now functions as the National Gallery of Macedonia as well as the Sveti Spas Church. The main draws at this 14th-century Byzantine wonder are its exquisite 6m hand-carved iconostasis — a large panel of Christian icons separating the sanctuary from worshippers — and well-preserved frescos.
Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (482 to 565) was born in Dardania (Republic of Macedonia today), and is now immortalised near Stone Bridge.
On the opposite bank of the river, new landmarks for future generations dominate Plostad Makedonija (or Macedonia Square). Dwarfing visitors to the main square and its main streets are mammoth tributes to national heroes, including the gleaming Warrior on a Horse. Also promising to boost national pride while dazzling foreign visitors is Porta Macedonia — the city’s triumphal arch, illuminated fountains, and a host of cultural and government buildings.
ENJOY A HIKE TO THE MILLENNIUM CROSS
Millennium Cross on Mount Vodno to the southwest of Skopje is a towering icon of faith.
Here is another goliath begging to be explored during your getaway: The 1,066m Mount Vodno. Located to the southwest of the city, it is home to the most spectacular views in Skopje and the sky-piercing Millennium Cross. A three-hour hike — or quicker, less strenuous bus-and-cable-car ride — takes you to the 66m cross at the summit of the mountain. This towering icon of faith was completed in 2002 to celebrate 2,000 years of Christianity.
Take advantage of Qatar Airway's promotional fares now. Prices start at S$1,109 for flights to Skopje and from S$869 to other European cities. Terms and conditions apply.
For details, visit Qatarairways
Created by Brand Studio Productions
SOURCE: TODAY ONLINE
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