About fascinating locations in North Macedonia, costs and vital factors for a vacationer.
In November 2020, my husband and I traveled to Albania. And so they determined to not cease at one Balkan nation, so that they deliberate their journey to the neighboring republic – North Macedonia. Resulting from the truth that Macedonia in numerous centuries was beneath the rule of essentially the most developed states and empires, it has preserved an enormous variety of historic monuments of all eras and kinds. Along with architectural buildings, there are various pure sights the place you may take a break from the hustle and bustle of town.
get there
North Macedonia has two airports. The primary, skopje Worldwide Airport, is situated close to the capital Skopje, the second, “St. Paul the Apostle” – within the metropolis of Ohrid. The price of an air ticket from Moscow to the airport of Skopje can be about 25,000 rubles * in each instructions.
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A visa for Russians just isn't required, offered that they're within the nation for not more than 90 days. A coronavirus take a look at and quarantine upon arrival in North Macedonia are additionally not required.
The place to remain
In Skopje, you will discover lodging for nearly any finances. We provide the next choices:
Hostel Mickitos – from 600 rubles * per particular person per night time;
Lodge Centar – from 3700 rubles * per night time per particular person;
Ibis Skopje Metropolis Middle – from 3500 rubles * per night time per particular person;
Skopje Marriott Lodge – from 7300 rubles * per night time per particular person.
Skopje – a metropolis of contrasts
The historical past of one of many oldest cities in Europe is greater than 2000 years previous. At completely different instances, it belonged to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires – as soon as the facilities of civilization and prosperity.
Town is unfold out in a valley between the mountains and due to this has undergone many earthquakes, which greater than as soon as destroyed it virtually fully. The latter occurred in 1963. Many historic monuments had been wiped off the face of the earth, so the authorities have developed the Skopje 2014 challenge, during which the architects constructed trendy buildings and put in dozens of latest monuments.
Our stroll started at Arc de Triomphe Porta Macedonia, behind which is the pedestrian a part of 11 October Road. Strolling alongside it, we discovered ourselves within the central level of town – on Macedonian squares, constructed for the Independence day of the Republic. There may be the “Warrior on Horseback” fountain, which is particularly spectacular within the night when the lights are on. As well as, right here you may see monuments to the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, who restored the primary Roman fortress after the earthquake, to Tsar Samuel, the author George Pulevsky and different well-known Macedonians.
We took a stroll by way of Stone bridge throughout the Vardar river, which connects the brand new districts and the Outdated Metropolis. In historic instances, it was used for public executions. It's stunning that neither battle nor earthquakes destroyed the bridge. Instantly behind it's the most lovely symbolic fountain devoted to the mom of Alexander the Nice. The composition consists of 4 sculptures of a girl with a baby of various ages. Close by there are monuments to the Macedonian father – Philip II, in addition to Cyril and Methodius. On the sq. stands Church of St. Dmitry, identified for a miracle that occurred in 2012: in entrance of believers, the traditional frescoes started to cleanse themselves of mud by themselves.
Throughout the road is Hammam Daut-Pasha – a bathhouse constructed by the Ottoman Turks, however by no means opened: in accordance with legend, because of the loss of life of the ruler's daughter in it. Now it homes an artwork gallery with works by native authors. Not removed from the hammam is the Kale fortress, initially constructed by the Romans, after which rebuilt by the Vikings within the Scandinavian model. Right here it would be best to keep longer – beautiful views of town open from its partitions.
Then we went to The previous bazaar and on the best way we met one other fascinating Orthodox Church of the Holy Savior. It's adorned with magnificent carvings with an engraved iconostasis put in within the 17th century. Our acquaintance with the previous metropolis ended on the oldest tower of Macedonia, Saat-Kula – from it, in the course of the Ottoman period, they introduced the start of each day prayers.
After enjoyable in a colourful кафе Kaj Seradot we returned to the brand new a part of the capital. We had been there Memorial Home-Museum of Mom Teresawho was born and lived in North Macedonia till the age of 18. The home-museum shows images of the saint with well-known folks, her letters and private belongings. Close by is a 14-meter feudal tower, constructed at first of the 18th century for defensive functions. It additionally homes the Kollektiv bar, which can enchantment to lovers of craft beer.
Lake metropolis Ohrid
The subsequent day we determined to commit to Ohrid, which is named essentially the most lovely metropolis in North Macedonia. There are 4 methods to get from Skopje to Ohrid: by bus, by prepare (with a switch to the bus), by taxi and by a rented automobile. We've got chosen to lease a automobile. The price of renting a automobile in Skopje on begins from 4500 rubles * per day.
Select a automobile
Ohrid is situated close to the traditional lake of the identical identify with clear water – the most important and deepest within the Balkans. By way of picturesqueness, it's usually in comparison with the Italian Como. There are lots of seashores on the lake, the most well-liked of them are: Kadmo and Cuba Libre… The authorities strictly monitor the absence of sewage and any air pollution, so the coast is clear and comfy.
Town has glorious navigation, you may navigate by quite a few indicators and indicators. The entire of Ohrid consists of white homes with crimson tiles, which makes even a easy stroll by way of the streets cozy and romantic. We began our journey at Higher gate fortress of King Samuel. Till the start of the 20th century, they had been closed at night time. From the gate we went all the way down to the Greek amphitheater, which in historic instances was used for gladiatorial battles and executions, and now live shows and festivals are held there.
Additional it's price going as much as the fortress of King Samuelconstructed within the 10th century. Its partitions supply lovely views of town and the lake. To get inside, it's essential pay 60 Macedonian denars.
Residents of Macedonia say that there are as many church buildings in Ohrid as there are 365 days in a 12 months. We didn't test the veracity of this assertion, however we recognized a number of locations for ourselves that deserve consideration. Monastery of Panteleimon, which comprises historic frescoes and relics of St. Clement of Ohrid. It's situated within the Plaosnik space, the place archaeological excavations are underway.
Pelister Nationwide park
We spent the subsequent half day in Pelister Nationwide Park 80 km from Ohrid. You may get there by rented automobile or buses.
The park is legendary for its crystal clear mountain lakes, essentially the most well-known of that are the Huge and Small Lake. To the very best level – Pika Pelister you'll have to climb greater than 2.6 km. As well as, stone rivers, the Yorgov stone and the Molika coniferous forest, which is legendary for its uncommon pines with five-pointed needles, deserve consideration among the many sights.
Greater than 5 vacationer routes cross by way of the park, you will discover them on the guidebook on the entrance. And in winter, Pelister welcomes quite a few alpine snowboarding fanatics. Usually, the nationwide park leaves a nice impression, because it offers the whole lot for a snug keep of vacationers. There are accommodations, cafes and eating places right here. Shifting alongside the paths of the park is feasible not solely on foot, but additionally by bicycle – lease it straight on the territory of the park.
This sort of vacation was the right finish of our three-day journey to North Macedonia.
* Costs are legitimate on the time of publication
Photograph: shutterstock.com
