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WIZZ MAGAZINE
JUNE-JULY 2012
FEATURE
SKOP J E
at the fortress in 2002 and is now in The House of
Robevci, part of the National Ohrid Museum.
The lakeshore and surrounding countryside
are rich in birdlife, including pelicans and rare
birds of prey. Traditional farming techniques –
it’s common to see horse-drawn ploughs and
farmers and their families harvesting crops by
hand – ensure that summer meadows are full of
wildflowers and there is plenty of local produce
to sample. Outdoor enthusiasts head for the
neighbouring Galicica National Park
(www.galicica.org.mk), with its outstanding routes
for hiking, rock-climbing and wildlife-watching.
From the highest peak it is possible to look in
one direction over Lake Ohrid, while to the east
you can see the impressive summertime views out
over Lake Prespa – the two sparkling jewels in
Macedonia’s impressive crown.
• Wander Caršija,
enjoying the
atmosphere and
shopping for crafts.
See an exhibition
or two at the Cifte
Amam and the Daud
Pasha Amam, former
Turkish bathhouses,
now art galleries. A
typical local
kebapci
lunch (grilled meat
with bread) is also a
must – try the cafés
around Kapan An, a
former inn. Vinoteka
Temov is a popular
wine bar with live
music in the evening.
• Bit Pazar is Skopje’s
largest outdoor
market and great for
finding kitsch gifts.
• In high summer, join
the hip young crowd
as they flock to the
alfresco nightclubs in
the city park.
• Many Macedonians
consider Alexander
the Great a national
hero. However, the
Greeks claim him
too. The controversy
reignited last year
with the erection in
Skopje’s main square
of an extraordinary
22m-high column
and statue, Warrior
on a Horse. Is it
Alexander? Judge
for yourself.
• Skopje has beautiful
countryside on
its doorstep. Hike
up Mount Vodno,
south-west of the
city, for superb views.
Lake Matka with its
churches, caves and
waterside cafés, is a
half-hour drive away.
SKOPJE
SIGHTS
“Wildflowers
in summer
meadows,
farmers and
horse-drawn
ploughs are a
common sight”
CAFÉ PATRONS ON THE
VARDOR RIVER.
BELOW:
LAKE OHRID, FROM THE
VILLAGE OF TRPEJCA
GETTY, ALAMY