About interesting places in Northern Macedonia, prices and important points for a tourist.
In November 2020, my husband and I went to Albania. And they decided not to stop in the same Balkan country, so they planned their journey to the neighboring republic – Northern Macedonia. Due to the fact that Macedonia in different centuries has been under the rule of the most developed states and empires, it retained a huge number of historical monuments of all eras and styles. In addition to architectural structures, there are many natural attractions where you can relax from the noise and fuss of the city.
How to get
There are two airports in North Macedonia. The first, international airport Skopje, is located near the capital of Skopier, the second, “Holy Apostle Pavel” – in the city of Ohrid. The cost of a ticket from Moscow to the airport of Skopier will be about 25,000 rubles* in both directions.
A visa for Russians is not required subject to being in the country for no more than 90 days. Coronavirus and quarantine test in North Macedonia will also not be needed.
Where to stop
In Skopier, you can find housing for almost any budget. We offer the following options:
Hostel Mickitos – from 600 rubles* per night per person;
Hotel Centar – from 3700 rubles* per night per person;
Ibis Skopje City Center – from 3500 rubles* per night per person;
Skopje Marriott Hotel – from 7300 rubles* per night per person.
Skopier – a city of contrasts
The history of one of the oldest cities in Europe has more than 2000 years. In different eras, it belonged to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires – once the centers of civilization and prosperity.
The city was spread out in the valley between the mountains and because of this underwent many earthquakes, which more than once destroyed it almost completely. The latter occurred in 1963. Many historical monuments were erased from the face of the Earth, so the authorities developed the Skopye-2014 project, in the framework of which architects built modern buildings and installed dozens of new monuments.
Our walk began at Porta Macedonia triumphal archbehind which the pedestrian part of the street is located on October 11. Walking along it, we found ourselves at the central point of the city – on Macedonia Squaresbuilt on the Independence Day of the republic. There is a “warrior on horseback” fountain, which is especially impressive in the evening with the backlight on. In addition, here you can see the monuments to the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, who restored the first Roman fortress after the earthquake, Tsar Samuel, writer Georgy Povulsky and other famous Macedonians.
We walked around Stone bridge Through the Vartar River, which connects new areas and the old city. In the ancient centuries, it was used for public executions. It is amazing that the bridge did not destroy either war or earthquakes. Immediately behind it is a beautiful symbolic fountain dedicated to the mother of Alexander the Great. The composition consists of four sculptures of a woman with a child of different ages. Nearby there were monuments to the Father of the Macedonian – Philip II, as well as Cyril and Methodius. It stands on the square Church of St. Dmitryknown for the miracle that occurred in 2012: in front of believers, ancient frescoes began to cleanse from dust on their own.
It is located across the street Hammam Daut Pasha -A bathhouse, built by the Turks-Sosmans, but never open: according to legend because of the death of the ruler’s daughter in it. Now there is a picture gallery with the works of local authors. Not far from Hammam is the fortress of Kale, originally erected by the Romans, and then rebuilt by the Vikings in the Scandinavian style. Here you want to linger longer – stunning views of the city open from its walls.
Then we went to Old bazaar And along the way they met another interesting Orthodox Church of the Holy Savior. It is decorated with magnificent carvings with an engraved iconostasis established in the 17th century. Our acquaintance with the old city near the oldest tower of Macedonia Saat-Kula ended-from it during the Ottoman announced the beginning of daily prayers.
After relaxing in a colorful Cafe Kaj Seradot We returned to the new part of the capital. I was interested in us there Memorial House Museum of Mother Teresawho was born and lived in North Macedonia until 18 years old. The house-museum presents photos of the saint with famous people, her letters and personal items. Nearby is the 14-meter feudal tower, built at the beginning of the 18th century for defensive purposes. Here is the Kollektiv bar, which will appeal to craft beer lovers.
Ozero-Orid city
The next day we decided to devote to Ohrid, which is called the most beautiful city in North Macedonia. You can get from Skopier to Ohrid in four ways: by bus, by train (with a bus transfer), by taxi and rented car. We chose the car rental. The cost of renting a car in Skopier on OneTwotrip starts at 4500 rubles* per day.
Ohrid is spread out at the ancient lake of the same name with transparent water – the largest and deeper in the Balkans. In terms of picturesque, it is often compared with the Italian Como. There are many beaches on the lake, the most popular of them: Kadmo And Cuba Libre. The authorities strictly monitor the lack of wastewater and any pollution, so the shore is distinguished by purity and comfort.
Navigation is perfectly established in the city, you can navigate by numerous signs and signs. The entire oxrid consists of white houses with red tiles, which even makes a simple walk along the streets of cozy and romantic. We started our way with Upper gate fortresses of King Samuel. Until the beginning of the 20th century, they were closed at night. From the gate we went down to the Greek amphitheater, which in ancient times used for gladiatorial battles and executions, and now concerts and festivals are being held there.
Next, you should climb to fortresses of King Samuelbuilt in the 10th century. With its walls, beautiful views of the city and lake are opened. To go inside, you need to pay 60 Macedonian denars.
The inhabitants of Macedonia say that in Okrid there are as many churches as days a year – 365. We did not check the reliability of this statement, but we allocated several places that deserve attention. Monastery of PanteleimonIn which old frescoes and relics of St. Clement of Okrid are stored. It is located in the area of the plane, on which archaeological excavations are conducted.
National Park Pelister
The next half days we spent in National Park Pelister 80 km from Ohrid. You can get there by rented a car or by buses.
The park is famous for its crystal pure mountain lakes, the most famous of which is a large and small lake. To the highest point – Peak Pelister You have to rise more than 2.6 km. In addition, the stone rivers, Yorgs, a stone and the coniferous forest of Molik, which is known for unusual pines with five -pointed needles, deserve attention.
More than five tourist routes pass through the park, you can find them on the guide at the entrance. And in winter, the Pelier accepts numerous ski lovers. In general, the National Park leaves a pleasant impression, since it provides for everything for a comfortable rest of tourists. There are hotels, cafes and restaurants here. Movement along the paths of the park is possible not only on foot, but also on a bicycle – rent it right in the park.
This type of relaxation was an excellent completion of our three -day trip to North Macedonia.
*Prices are valid at the time of publication
Photo: Shutterstock.com
You can book hotels online on the site or in the OneTwotrip application.
