The first impressions of this city were crazy, absurd, fake.
It is like they are trying to become Las Vegas of Balkan.
They made newly many buildings and structures that look historical and classical, and so many historical statues.
I thought the city was rich, but the guide in the free walking tour informed that all built by government loan.
Many local people was against the government plan, the project called Skopje 2014.
They copied many world landmarks, such as Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The guide informed they are building London Eye too.
The people against the plan did Colour Revolution, by throwing balloon filled with paint on the statues, still now remaining in the statues (this was what I heard from the guide, but Wikipedia tells differently).
Despite negative impression expressed above, there are some authentic charms of the city, like the Turkish corner (the Kebab shop Destan was my favorite), the fortress and some interesting places can be visited with a day trip, such as beautiful valley called Matka (didn't have time to visit, but saw the picture at the hostel).
But, somehow I feel the Skopje people was not friendly.
It is like they are trying to become Las Vegas of Balkan.
They made newly many buildings and structures that look historical and classical, and so many historical statues.
I thought the city was rich, but the guide in the free walking tour informed that all built by government loan.
Many local people was against the government plan, the project called Skopje 2014.
They copied many world landmarks, such as Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The guide informed they are building London Eye too.
The people against the plan did Colour Revolution, by throwing balloon filled with paint on the statues, still now remaining in the statues (this was what I heard from the guide, but Wikipedia tells differently).
Despite negative impression expressed above, there are some authentic charms of the city, like the Turkish corner (the Kebab shop Destan was my favorite), the fortress and some interesting places can be visited with a day trip, such as beautiful valley called Matka (didn't have time to visit, but saw the picture at the hostel).
But, somehow I feel the Skopje people was not friendly.
