Balkan Discovery Trip. Day 9: Skopje to Kuala Lumpur

- September 12, 2022

We went to the Old Bazaar, located just opposite of our hotel, in the morning. It is Skopje's central marketplace and has been operating continuously since the 12th century, making it one of the oldest and largest in the Balkans.

The Old Bazaar is significant not just as a marketplace, but also for its historical and cultural significance. Remains of Byzantine architecture coexist with Ottoman structures, and contemporary architectural styles have been included in ongoing rehabilitation projects.

We made a brief stop at Murat Pasha, a mosque built between 1802 and 1803, before continuing heading to the Stone Bridge. Before crossing the bridge, we passed by a handful of interesting attractions, such as the History Museum & Arts Academy and Daut Pasha Hamam, among others. Nevertheless, we took pictures at the Monument of Philip II of Macedonia and the Fountain of Olympia—Mother of Alexandria.

After crossing the Stone Bridge, we reached the Macedonia Square located beside the Vardar River. The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and the Archaeological Museum of Macedonia are located on the opposite side. We were then given about 45 minutes on our own. We explored the Fort Kale and visited the Mustafa Pasha Mosque that are close to each other.

Early morning of Skopje city

Some of the scenes shot in the Old Bazaar area

Taking a picture in front of Murat Pasa.

We bought some of these delicacies

Fountain Olympia—Mother of Alexander III of Macedonia

We didn't have the chance to visit the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence

More statues in the Macedonia Square

The Macedonia Square from the Stone Bridge

We then continued on our own from the square and walked towards the Skopje Fortress, also known as Fort Kale. Then we stopped at the Mustafa Paša mosque before heading back to the Old Bazaar.

Fort Kale as the backdrop

At the distant

We bought pieces of tablecloth for our own souvenirs.

Lepak santai sambil minum kopi Balkan

Try out the dried fruits and peanuts at the Old Bazaar

Before noon, we left Skopje city and went to Matka Canyon, located west of central Skopje. Yet we experienced another jaw-dropping natural wonder.

Love this picture!

The dam

We had lunch at the Oreov Lad Restaurant, just a few kilometers from the canyon. A family-run business offers a nice atmosphere with greenery everywhere and nice food. After that we walked a few hundred meters to Hussein Shah Mosque for prayers. It's about time to leave the region. At half past four in the evening, we arrived at Skopje International Airport to catch the flight back home...