Stone Bridge, Skopje (must see)
The Stone Bridge spans the Vardar River. It was constructed by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and is sometimes referred to as the Dušan Bridge, in honor of Stefan Dušan, the Emperor of Serbia.
This magnificent bridge holds a special place in Skopje's identity and is considered one of the city's most symbolic landmarks. In fact, it plays a central role in the city's coat of arms and is prominently featured on the city's flag. The Stone Bridge serves as a vital link connecting Macedonia Square to the Old Bazaar, thus bridging the divide between two distinct parts of the city.
The bridge is a true architectural marvel, constructed with solid stone blocks and supported by robust columns connected by 12 semicircular arches. Over the centuries, it has undergone various phases of damage and repair, reflecting the bridge's resilience and historical importance. It faced significant damage during the great earthquake of 1555, which heavily impacted four of its pillars. However, renovations were swiftly carried out the same year to restore the bridge to its former glory.
The Stone Bridge is not just a testament to Skopje's architectural heritage; it has also played a role in historical events. One such event was the execution of Karposh, a historical figure, on the bridge in 1689.
In modern times, the Stone Bridge has come to symbolize the contrasts and divisions within Skopje. It serves as a physical and metaphorical boundary, separating parts of the city that have different characteristics, such as "Ottoman" or "modern," "historic" or "socialist," and "Albanian" or "Macedonian." The bridge essentially links two distinct aspects of Skopje's identity, reflecting the city's complex history and diverse population.
This magnificent bridge holds a special place in Skopje's identity and is considered one of the city's most symbolic landmarks. In fact, it plays a central role in the city's coat of arms and is prominently featured on the city's flag. The Stone Bridge serves as a vital link connecting Macedonia Square to the Old Bazaar, thus bridging the divide between two distinct parts of the city.
The bridge is a true architectural marvel, constructed with solid stone blocks and supported by robust columns connected by 12 semicircular arches. Over the centuries, it has undergone various phases of damage and repair, reflecting the bridge's resilience and historical importance. It faced significant damage during the great earthquake of 1555, which heavily impacted four of its pillars. However, renovations were swiftly carried out the same year to restore the bridge to its former glory.
The Stone Bridge is not just a testament to Skopje's architectural heritage; it has also played a role in historical events. One such event was the execution of Karposh, a historical figure, on the bridge in 1689.
In modern times, the Stone Bridge has come to symbolize the contrasts and divisions within Skopje. It serves as a physical and metaphorical boundary, separating parts of the city that have different characteristics, such as "Ottoman" or "modern," "historic" or "socialist," and "Albanian" or "Macedonian." The bridge essentially links two distinct aspects of Skopje's identity, reflecting the city's complex history and diverse population.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Skopje. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Stone Bridge on Map
Sight Name: Stone Bridge
Sight Location: Skopje, Macedonia (See walking tours in Skopje)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Skopje, Macedonia (See walking tours in Skopje)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Skopje, Macedonia
Create Your Own Walk in Skopje
Creating your own self-guided walk in Skopje is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Skopje Introduction Walking Tour
Unlike many other Balkan capitals such as Belgrade, Sofia, and Zagreb, which only grew to importance during the 19th century, the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, is an ancient city dating back several millennia. As such, the city has many fascinating and often contradicting cultural and historical layers detectable in everything, from the architecture to the food to the language.
The name... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The name... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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