The Kale fortress was built during the rule of the Byzantium Emperor Justinijan I. It was built out of stone blocks from the ruins of the city of Scupi. Archaeological excavations have shown that the materials used to build the fortress were taken from the town of Skupi, which was destroyed by the 518 earthquake. The ramparts of the Skopsko Kale are a massive 121 metre long structure. The fortress was the halting base of the Turkish army until 1913, the period during which Skopje fell under Serbian authority. From 1913 to 1953 the Yugoslav army used it as its base. Today the fortress is a mere shadow of its past glory. It has a beautifully landscaped park that is used for recreation and fun. Tourists and locals throng the park. The sounds of Macedonian folk music reverberate in the evening hours and visitors are transported to a different era. The wonderful view of the city and the river Vardar from this fortress enhances the experience.

The Old Skopje Bazaar is situated in Old Skopje, on the left side of the river Vardar. The bazaar has undergone several changes in appearance and organization down the years, yet has retained the spirit of its past. Skopje`s craftsmen, tailors, cobblers, quilt makers, shoe makers and tinsmiths produce beautiful pieces of art in the small shops that crowd the market. The old market place still bustles with activity and a lively atmosphere that radiates from the small shops and cafes. The coffee and tea rooms are always brimming with locals and curious tourists taking in the busy surroundings. The Skopje Old Bazaar emerged and developed between the Stone Bridge and the ‘Bit Bazaar', and the Kale Fortress and the Serava River. Till the late Middle Ages, all economic activities and trading took place here. The period between the 16th and the 17th century saw the Old Bazaar reach its urban and economic peak. It developed into one of the biggest and most significant oriental old bazaars in the Balkans.

The Museum of Macedonia may not compare to those of Europe but it is still a fascinating place to visit. The arts and artefacts reflect the depth of culture in this ancient land. The earliest exhibits date to the Neolithic period, almost 7500 years back. Look out for a phallus-spouted drinking vessel that started a trend for joke shops. The only interesting thing about the Museum is its partly ruined exterior, which is still maintained. Time has stopped here with the clock frozen at 5.17 on the morning of 27 July 1963 when the tragic Skopje earthquake killed 1066 people and demolished the city. To the left of the clock is Tito's message of support to the traumatised citizens. At the back of the museum building is an array of decaying shops and bars between abandoned railway carriages and artillery. The museum has some rare art and a small collection of icons dating back to the 14th century. The whole building is lit by star-shaped holes in the brickwork of the copper-clad domes.

Christianity came to Macedonia because of the many invasions, and the influence and rule of multiple civilizations. Many churches were constructed, which got destroyed in the earthquake. But some were restored and renovated to their original beauty. The Church of Saint Panteleimon in Nerezi is one such fine example. It is the epitome of the Comnenian art. It was commissioned by the members of the royal Comnenus family in their early days. However, the construction of the church was not finished until 1164. Nerezi is famous for its frescoes, which represent the heights of intimacy and spirituality that existed in the 12^th century. They are often compared to delicate works by Giotto. These murals underwent a bout of over painting in the 19^th century but have lately been restored.

Just outside the small shops and tea houses of Čaršija is the magnificent Church of Sveti Spas. During the Ottoman times, it was illegal for a church to be taller than a mosque, so this church was built below ground. It boasts an iconostasis that is 10m (33ft) wide and 6m (20ft) high. It has beautiful carvings from the early 19th century.

As the name suggests, the cross is an important landmark. The Millennium Cross is a 66 metre-high cross that is atop the Vodno Mountain in Skopje. It is believed to be the highest structure in Macedonia and the biggest cross on the planet. The construction of this cross commemorated 2,000 years of Christianity not only in Macedonia but the entire world.

The Feudal Tower is just outside the main entrance of the Army Club. It is one of the oldest buildings on the left bank of the river Vardar. Till today, no accurate data has been found to indicate when it was built. Some say it dates back to the end of 18th century. The 14 metre high tower is a three storeyed building excluding the ground floor. The earthquake of 1963 almost completely ruined it, but it was rebuilt later. The remains were framed in the complex of the Army Club. The ground floor of the Tower houses the memorial room of Mother Theresa.

If you have the time and patience rummage through the archives and there is a whole civilization that unfurls. One such monument that the archives unearth is the stone bridge. According to the archives the stone bridge was built in the 6th century. It was brought to its present form in the first half of the 15th century, during the time of Sultan Murat II. It was constructed out of stone blocks and has 12 semicircular arches. The bridge has undergone several repairs and restorations through the centuries, but has managed to keep its original shape and form.

The Stone Bridge, located in the city centre of Skopje, is an icon in itself. It connects the two parallel banks of the river Vardar. It acts as a direct link not only between the old and the modern part of the city, but also between old and new traditions. Some Turkish historians believe the bridge was built in the second half of the 15th century, during the rule of Sultan Mehmed II. However, recent research shows that it was built during the rule of Tsar Yustinian.

Macedonia was a Muslim strong hold in a bygone era, which was later replaced by Christianity. Located in the old part of the city, in the vicinity of Kursumli-an, Mustafa Pasha's Mosque is a monument to the Islamic culture; it attracts much attention because of its size and beauty. The mosque was built in 1519 by the vizier of the Sultan Selim I, Mustafa Pasha. The tall minaret made of cut stone is particularly striking and is decorated with different ornaments. The mosque is elegant and intact with not many additions having been made through the years. The interior is simple yet beautiful and spacious. Adjacent to the mosque is the tomb of the daughter of Mustafa Pasha. Just outside the mosque is a lovely rose garden that offers scenic views over Skopje's old bazaar.

The Macedonians know to preserve their history lest they forgot their roots and their trials and tribulations. The aqueduct is one such piece of history. Very rarely do we find structures like the aqueduct so well maintained. It is located 2 kilometres north-west from Skopje, at the end of the Skopje-Kacanik highway. It is a huge monument built of stone and bricks. It has 55 arches supported by massive pillars. The history behind the aqueduct is shrouded in mystery. While some believe it is a Romanian construction, others believe it is an old Byzantium building. Recent scientific research links the building of the aqueduct with Isa bey, which signifies that it was built during the time of the Turkish rule, dating back to the 16th century. However, some say it is an edifice from the 6^th century AD. There were just 3 aqueducts in former Yugoslavia, one in Macedonia and two in Montenegro.

The old aqueduct supplied water to the city of Skupi from Mount Skopska Crna Gora. Some archaeologists believe it had 200 arches, 55 of which still stand today.