Skopje

Ohrid, a Unesco World Heritage Site This city in Macedonia has been listed by Unesco as having a heritage that should be preserved. Among the city's most beautiful sites is San Jovan Church. © Wilfried Louvet

Skopje, the actual capital of the Republic of Macedonia has an age-old tradition. This is an East-West hub, founded along international traffic arteries. Its architectural heritage portrays different eras and civilisations: Antiquity, Middle Age and Turkish domination. However, the city still carries the deep scars left by the 1963 earthquake that almost destroyed the entire city including several ancient monuments. Yet, some incredible sites are left to visit. The small 17th century Saint-Saviour church (Sveti Spas) has an amazing 33 feet long and 19 feet wide iconostase dating back 1824. This sculpted wooden support is a wall used to group the numerous icons which stood between the altar and the believers. It evokes scenes from the Bible and the artists themselves, authorised to represent themselves in their work. The monumental 15th-century Hamman Daut-Pasa is the largest Turkish bath in the Balkan peninsula. It is currently home to a modern art gallery and a collection of Macedonian icons. The old Kursumli Han caravanserai was constructed in the 16th century. It houses the archeology museum with its precious Ancient Roman, Hellenistic and Byzantine objects discovered during the Stobi and Heraclea Lyncestis excavations. Stroll along the charming old market square. Each street belongs to a cooperative group of artisans. Visit the bazaar's narrow and colourful streets.