Skopje (Macedonia)

The Macedonian capital has been twinned with Dresden since 1967. After several years of political and economic isolation as a result of the war in former Yugoslavia, the relationship between the two cultural centres is now picking up momentum.

Musicians and artists have established contacts, a diversity of exhibitions and exchanges have been organised, sporting events have been initiated and partnerships have been forged at local government level.

Population: 507,000

Geographical location: Northern Macedonia on the River Vardar.

Profile: Skopje is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, which gained independence in 1991, a venerable cultural centre, with a modern face since the earthquake of 1963. Skopje is a melting pot of Christian and Islamic culture. Alongside Byzantine, Slavic and Ottoman-Islamic traits, however, there are also many remaining witnesses to the city's socialist era. The earliest historical finds can be traced back to 5000 BC. Skopje was the capital of the Roman province Upper Moesia, and an important centre of Byzantine trade. It stood under Turkish rule from 1392 to 1913, but fell into Serbian hands after the Balkan Wars and finally became part of Yugoslavia in 1918. Today, the city is both the economic and cultural centre of Macedonia. Alongside its iron and steel works, chemical industry, electrical engineering and pharmaceuticals, Skopje is an important trade fair venue, a university and research centre (for example for seismology) and a "promised land" for archaeologists. The city is furthermore the seat of an Orthodox metropolitan and a Catholic bishop.

Tips: Despite the many earthquakes suffered by the city, a number of important historical sights have been preserved, for example the three grand mosques from the 15th century, the Daut Pasa Hamam, which is today an art gallery, the 13th-century stone bridge over the River Vardar, and the Kale Fortress dating from the 6th century. Culture is an integral part of life in the Macedonian capital. Alongside the main art galleries, it is also possible to visit the World Caricature Gallery. In the summer months, the centre of Skopje comes alive with music, especially during the major cultural festival "Skopje Summer" from June to August. Skopje is furthermore the birthplace of one of the most famous nuns in history: Mother Teresa.

Skopje

Mayor of the City of Skopje

Mr. Koce Trajanovski

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Postal address

Ilindenska bb
1000 Skopje
Macedonia

Office for International Relations

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Phone 00389 2 3297 286
Fax 00389 2 3165 445
Website City of Skopje

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Postal address

Ilindenska bb
1000 Skopje
Macedonia