{"id":4294,"date":"2020-04-23T23:11:01","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T23:11:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mircorp.com\/?p=4294"},"modified":"2021-05-21T14:46:54","modified_gmt":"2021-05-21T14:46:54","slug":"north-macedonia-6-reasons-to-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/north-macedonia-6-reasons-to-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Magnificent North Macedonia: 6 Reasons to Visit the Undiscovered Gem of the Balkans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Lake
Lake Ohrid, Macedonia. Photo credit: Peter Guttman <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

A compact jewel of a country blue with lakes and green with forested mountains, the little landlocked republic of North Macedonia<\/a> might just be one of Europe\u2019s most intriguing and underrated travel gems<\/strong>. Surrounded by Greece, Albania, and Bulgaria on the Balkan Peninsula, this tiny nation has occupied a long forgotten and under-explored corner of the globe. But today it is ready to step out of the shadows of its frequently overlooked \u2014 yet historically significant \u2014 past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though small in size, North Macedonia<\/a> encompasses a fascinating blend of ancient sites, magnificent mountain monasteries, pristine landscapes, and rich local culture. The nation\u2019s capital city, Skopje, was around before the time of Christ, and its sole UNESCO World Heritage Site \u2014 deep blue Lake Ohrid and the culturally rich Byzantine town of Ohrid on the lakeshore \u2014 is a sublime slice of gorgeous scenery and Mediterranean style without the crowds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The country\u2019s three national parks are covered in waterfalls, glacial lakes, and glorious mountain peaks; and offer some of the most awe-inspiring hikes you\u2019ll find in Europe. And as a bonus, Macedonian food is starting to gain an international reputation, as are the country\u2019s excellent award-winning wineries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Whether seeking vibrant art and culture or thrilling new landscapes and outdoor adventures, here are six reasons to plan your next trip to North Macedonia:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

1. Skopje\u2019s Stellar Architectural Contrasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia<\/a>, is a city of many cultures.<\/strong> Settled since Neolithic times, it\u2019s been influenced by ancient Rome, Byzantium, the First Bulgarian Empire, and the Ottoman Turks. Today, these rich layers of history are reflected in the city\u2019s quirky blend of old Orthodox churches, Muslim mosques, and Yugoslavian modernist buildings \u2013 revealing both Skopje\u2019s cosmopolitan past and its forward-looking future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can get a sense of Skopje\u2019s complex heritage at the Byzantine Skopje Fortress, which has guarded the city since the 6th century. Located on the highest point in the Old Town, the fortress offers an excellent vantage point from which to view the city and the mountains in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Occupying
Occupying the highest point in the Old Town, Skopje\u2019s 6th-century fortress is a great spot to capture panoramic city views. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Near Skopje Fortress is the little Sveti Spas, or \u201cHoly Savior,\u201d Church. Originally built in the 14th century, Sveti Spas is the Old Town\u2019s only remaining Orthodox church, and unique because of its partially submerged design (the result of an old Ottoman decree banning churches from being taller than mosques). Its gorgeous 19th century iconostasis was carved in walnut by renowned local woodcarvers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skopje\u2019s Ottoman influence can be best seen in the wonderful old Turkish quarter, or Carsija<\/em>. Here, the teeming bazaar \u2014 the largest in the Balkans<\/a> \u2014 displays hand-loomed carpets, antique silver, spices, woven pillows, and nargileh<\/em> (water pipes). Old caravanserais have been transformed into traditional restaurants and art galleries, and lively little cafes and cubbyhole shops line the streets.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n \n
  • \n \"Walking <\/li>\n
  • \n \"The <\/li>\n
  • \n \"An <\/li>\n
  • \n \"Skopje\u2019s <\/li>\n \n <\/ul>\n <\/a>\n <\/a>\n