THE FORTRESS - KALE

Rising on a dominating position above the city, the Skopje fortress is witness to the ancientness, to the history of the life and development of Skopje. When you come to old Skopje from the new part you won’t fail to spot this overwhelming fortress raised on the left hand side of river Vardar, which hides inside it endless stories, myths, as well as facts on the past of Skopje, dating back to the ancient times and reaching to present days. The archeological explorations of Kale are proof of a pre-historical and historical past of the fortress. Kale represents a massive construction surrounded by a giant wall built from huge rock blocks brought from the ancient town of Skopje, which was ruined during the earthquake in 518. Looking towards Kale from down the hill, the visitor as well as the residents of Skopje, is carried away by the mysticism surrounding this complexion. This mysticism does not leave indifferent anyone. It challenges everyone’s curiosity to go inside and see, to understand in person what secrets hide the thick walls with small holes which always give you the feeling that you’re being watched. Today, the Fortress represents an important monument of culture inside which, in addition to the stony walls with small cracks you will also find an amphitheater, a restaurant which gives you the best view over the Stone Bridge, river Vardar and the square in new Skopje, whereas the entire surface inside the fortress is green with nice pedestrian passages and fountains with drinking water. From Skopje Kale you can also see the entire bazaar and it is from there that you will have the best view over old Skopje as a whole.

On the eastern side of the fortress, there’s an auxiliary gate connecting Kale to the Old bazaar. Opposite Kale, in the direction of the bazaar, you will find the Mustafa pasha mosque as well as the St. Spas church. In addition, inside this cultural compound you will also find two important museums: at the entrance to the bazaar there is the Museum of Macedonia, while north of the Kale is situated the Museum of contemporary arts. In order to contribute more in preserving the historic value of this area, the authorities of the city have not put asphalt on one part of the main street passing between Kale and the entrance to the Old bazaar of Skopje and they left the rocks, in order to uphold the authenticity and ancientness of this entirety.