Summer Night in Skopje-June 28, 2013

 

We took a nice evening walk downtown on June 28, 2013. The main plaza was alit with all of the statues (courtesy of Skopje 2014) and many of the new government buildings (although still under construction) across the Vardar River were shining in the night. The re-making of Skopje may be a bit over the top; a people reclaiming their history; in full of view of the world; in the "face" of neighbors; I would say it is more than their "Sunday" best; however you look at it, it is a delight for the senses.Take a walk with us and enjoy the photos.

 

Side view of Alexander of Macedon statue/fountain.

 

The Perlister Hotel and Restaurant (my favorite spot).

 

Madyn sitting at the base of the Alexander statue/fountain (yes, looks like Vegas!)

 

The old stone bridge built upon Roman foundations by the Ottomans; dating 15th century; behind is the new National Archaeological Museum of Macedonia.

 

This building a museum dedicated to Macedonian life during the struggle for freedom.

 

This building will house the National Theater.

 

Looking up the Vardar River from the Old Stone Bridge.

 

Looking down river at the National Archaeological Museum.

 

The visible "river" walk area will continue the length of the new development of government buildings.

 

A fountain dedicated to Alexander's mother; very difficult to shoot with red and purple lights!

 

The fountain and this specific area across the Old Stone Bridge is a large plaza that leads to the Old Bazaar; Old Turkish Baths; a statue of Philip II and the future home of the National Philharmonic Orchestra; across the plaza is the Holocaust Museum; the plaza is a big gathering place with vendors and lots of foot traffic.

 

Yep, purple horses in the fountain!

 

The Holocaust Museum in Skopje; a visit to his memorial is in order. The exhibit is a wonderfully told story of Jewish history in Macedonia and the Balkans; an excellent video concludes the story.

 

The front of the Museum dedicated to the "struggle"; and those are cannons pointed at you.

 

The National Theater Building.

 

The Old Fort overlooking the Vardar River.

 

You can maybe imagine how large this plaza will be when completed.

 

The fountain erupts from the river; it is quite the light show in Skopje.

 

Finally, the Macedonian Arche De Triumph!

 

The downtown area of Skopje impacted by the Skopje 2104 re-development program is dazzling at night; as well, it is just amazing the amount of statuary on display; the design and eclectic approach to the government buildings; and new pedestrian bridges over the Vardar River (covered with statues). Madlyn and I found the namesake for the street where I live in Skopje: Dimitar Pandilov was an impressionist artist and major player in the movement in Skopje who died during the earthquake of 1963. To cap off the wonderful light show, around the main plaza (Makedonia Plostad) and along the river walk area are may excellent restaurants; café bars; gelato stands and a large mall is adjacent to the plaza. There is even a skateboard park near the Old Stone Bridge (saw lots of action there).

 

 

We have had our gelato; off to the taxi stand and home. Good night.