Skopje’s landmark construction is the old Stone Bridge spanning the River Vardar with 13 arches. The city was founded on the left bank of the Vardar river at the confluence with the River Serava after an earthquake destroyed nearby ancient Skupi in 508AD, and it’s probable that a first bridge was built then, which in the late 15th century formed the foundation of the Stone Bridge. The current 214 metre structure was built by the Ottomans in the early second half of the 15th century. Floods, earthquakes and an endless line of local dignitaries have changed the look of the bridge. The metal pedestrian paths that used to line it were taken off in 1992, and a railing and watchtower have recently been rebuilt. The bridge is an important pedestrian link between the old bazaar area and the modern part of town, and there are usually some makeshift stalls selling things like batteries and car accessories along it along with the prerequisite number of begging Roma.