address

Bitpazarska 90/2 | Skopje - Old Bazaar

Old Bazaar Skopje

Skopje's historic district

Just footsteps away from Hotel Arka, you will find the most popular tourist attraction in Skopje, the Old Bazaar. Situated in the old part of Skopje and just a short walk from the main square, it is easily reached and explored. It has characteristics and dynamics of its own kind and remains the oldest living witness of the history of this region. Every corner here, tells its own story. It represents the old commercial heart of the town and the largest bazaar in the Balkans. This is the place where the social and urban elites of the capital emerged during the beginnings of the 20-th century. When you come to the Old Bazaar you get the impression that this is the place where the links of civilization are cut off: the dynamics and stress of modern living are replaced by a state of coolness and idyllic tranquillity. Nowadays it is a protected national landmark and contains numerous old craftsmen shops, where age-old traditions are kept alive by goldsmiths, shoemakers, coppersmiths and other skilled craftsmen.

Most of the buildings are transformed into museums and galleries, and it is impossible not to visit the authentic restaurants and tea-rooms.

Hotel Arka is on the borderline with the culturally protected area of Skopje’s Old Bazaar and we give you our word that our Rooftop bar has the best view.

Chifte Hamam

Cifte Hammam is a type of double hammam (public bathhouse) built in the 15th century. It is a single building on the outside, with two separate parts in the interior – for bathing of men and women separately. It was built from brick and stone, coupled by whitewash plaster that has defied centuries. Two big domes are located above the main rooms, while the khalwas and the other rooms are arched by a number of small domes that are currently covered by sheet metal.
Today it is used as a modern art gallery as a part of the National Art Gallery.

Kurshumli An

Kurshumli Han is an Ottoman caravanserai – a roadside inn for travellers – built in the 15th century.
It served its initial purpose until the 19th century, when it became an Ottoman prison. The walls form a square but roof consists of pyramid-shaped domes. The domes were originally covered in lead, thus the origin of the name (kurshun=leed). Ground floor rooms were used for storage, upper floor for sleeping quarters. The building had also rooms for livestock.
If you have extra time, visit the Museum of Macedonia that is located right next to it.

Mustafa Pasha Mosque

One of the most beautiful Islamic monuments in Skopje, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque was built in 1492 by Mustafa Pasha, vizier on the courts of both Bayezid II (1481-1512) and Selim I (1512-1520); his name is engraved on the plaque above the entrance.
Largely intact from the original state, in addition to the mosque, the Mustafa Pasha complex nowadays includes the türbe of Mustafa Pasha, the sarcophagus of his daughter Umi, a fountain, as well as the remains of the former imaret and madrasa. Its interior is beautiful, simple, and spacious.

Church of the Ascension of Jesus

The Church of the Ascension of Jesus (Sv. Spas) is a tree nave Macedonia Orthodox Church, build in the mid-16th century. Boosting an exquisite iconostasis, it is also the final resting place of one of the most important revolutionary figures in Ottoman ruled Macedonia, Goce Delcev (1872-1903): whose remains were moved several times until transported in Skopje in 1946 and enriched in a marble sarcophagus in the yard of the church.
After your visit make sure you take a break in the Brewery house just right next to it.

Fortress Kale

On a high cliff overlooking the river Vardar, Skopje’s fortress has kept a watchful eye for centuries. Being the highest point in Skopje, Kale has always been prized by local inhabitants. The earliest traces of life date back to the Neolithic period and early Bronze Age, about 4,000 y BC.
The fortress was originally built by the Byzantines in the 6th century A.D, with stone walls that are about 121 meters (400 feet) long.
Kale today is one of Skopje’s best sightseeing places offering a fantastic view of the city and proximity to the sites of the city’s Ottoman Old Bazaar.

Daut Pasha Hammam

Daut Pasha Hammam is a monumental building of the secular Islamic architecture. Its construction was financed by the Grand Vizier of East Rumelia, Daut Pasha, who served in Skopje from 1489 till 1497 and built the hammam for his harem.
The hammam was restored after the WW2 when it was turned into art gallery. Today it hosts the National Art Gallery and is considered to be one of the most impressive Islamic buildings from the time of the Ottoman Empire. Many reputable cultural and art events are held in the hammam including the annual Skopje Summer Festival.

Things to do in Skopje: Most certainly, the Old Bazaar is not a place to miss if you come to Skopje.