Skopje

Skopje Fortress

  Samoilova     more than a year ago
Archaeological excavations show that people have been living on the hill above what’s now the Old Bazaar since at least the Bronze Age. A town was first founded here in the early Byzantine era during the 6th and 7th centuries when the huge blocks of stone still visible in the fortress’ walls were dragged here from Scupi, the nearby town that was destroyed during the 518AD earthquake. This was the great town of Justinia Prima, founded by Emperor Justinian I (c.482-565). From the 14th to the 20th century the Ottomans used the fortress as a military barracks, expanding the number of towers to 70 of which only three remain today. The 1963 earthquake flattened much of the fortress, including many of the walls, some of which are currently being rebuilt. Ongoing excavation work over the last decade or so has revealed many fascinating finds including ancient musical instruments and, in 2010, the largest collection of Byzantine-era coins ever discovered in Macedonia. Best visited with the aid of a local tour guide, there’s not much to see these days, although the views on a clear day are quite spectacular.

Open

Open 08:00-18:00.

Comments

Connect via social media
google sign in button
Leave a comment using your email This e-mail address is not valid
Please enter your name*

Please share your location

Enter your message*
Put our app in your pocket
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here. AGREE
Top