One might notice that there are far more mosques in Skopje than churches. This is a curiosity as roughly 50% of the population is Eastern Orthodox and 30% Muslim. Because of the Ottoman history, this interesting balance exists. Here is an example of beautiful churches & mosques of Skopje Macedonia that are definitely worthy of a visit.
Church of Demetrius
Built in the 18th century on the remains of a 16th century one. Find this church on your way to the Old Bazaar from the Stone Bridge. Inside see these blackened old walls, the frescoes almost unrecognizable if it weren’t for the gold gilding that remains somewhat bright.
Walk around and view the iconography and wooden spiral staircase, the incredible old chandeliers and peaceful nature of this church. While outside, look down at your feet. You will notice you are walking on the graves of the original 16th century church. Figural tomb markers and marble paths can be seen amongst the current day pavement.
Gazi Isa Bey Mosque
One of the older mosques in the city, constructed in 1475, I happened upon this one completely by accident. It turns out it is my favourite of all I have seen here. Located close to the historical clock tower and not far from the Bit Pazar.
Enclosing it is a large garden, full of bright green grass and paths lined with roses! Oh the burst of colour and heavenly scents, such a change from the surrounding and often chaotic neighbourhood. The peace inside this garden is like nothing else I feel in Skopje. The garden contains a humongous plane tree said to be planted at the time of construction, making it now around 550 years old!
Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother
A large Orthodox church built in 1835 on the sight of an earlier 13th century one. This building is located in a square on the same side of the river as the Old Bazaar. It is in an area a little further away though, so does not attract many tourists.
This beautiful old church used to be the city’s cathedral up until 1944. Close by, there are two large fountains with central column statues, heavily decorated in religious symbols. The church itself has a wide-open interior, exquisitely painted with bright warm colours. I have become accustomed to seeing heavily gilded interiors of the Orthodox churches, so this one came as a breath of fresh air with hardly any at all.
Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Constructed in 1492 on a gentle rise at the Old Bazaar and right across the street from Skopje Fortress. This special mosque has not been remodelled and is almost exactly like it was in its original form.
A sizeable structure surrounded by a small garden, there is a tomb to the left and behind that a little graveyard. The minaret soars an amazing 47 meters into the sky. Of particular interest is the ceiling of the outer patio area. See the original blue and white painted domes and their intricate detailing.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
The only catholic church in the city is this one, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located the furthest away from the others. A unique style, designed by a Macedonian architect and constructed in 1977. It replaced an earlier cathedral that was destroyed in the 1963 earthquake. At this church, find a large green space that is perhaps filled with blossoms in the spring. Walk around all four sides to see the architectural details in different light.
Depending on what side of the Vardar River you find yourself on, the balance of churches and mosques will be skewed. To see the skyline on the Ottoman side, is to see a field of minarets reaching to the stars. Church bell towers, more difficult to notice, but just as historical, are perhaps like hidden treasures. Find them all and let yourself be enveloped by their beauty.
