The Skopje fortress (Kale)

Skopje Fortress (also known as Skopje Kale) is a historical fortress located in the old part of Skopje, in a dominant position. This fortress was first built in the 6th century and today is one of the most beautiful symbols of the capital. It is located on the north side of the Vardar River, dividing Skopje in half.

The fortress has the shape of a triangle, from above it is flat and with an expressed road to the south and west. According to historical data, it was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the sixth century. The fortress was almost destroyed in 518 AD by a major earthquake, after which it was renovated.

The Skopje fortress was damaged and destroyed by many battles and wars in the region, especially in the wars between the Bulgarian and Byzantine empires during the rule of Peter Deljan. Thus, it was renovated again in the tenth and eleventh centurie, when it was worked on the main city wall, from where the wall canvases of the northwest and south wall movement originated. From this century came the "Cyclopean walls" that were built in the classical way in the style of opus quadratum. During the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the fortress was expanded with new walls.

In 1660, the famous chronicler Evlija Celeblija writes that the Kale is a strong double-walled building. According to him, such art, refinement and construction are not often found in other cities. With it, the city is protected by seven bastions and three gates on the southeast, and there are many guards at the entrance. The door and the entrance walls are decorated with various weapons.

The Skopje Fortress suffered major damage during the Skopje earthquake in 1963, destroying defensive towers, ramparts and buildings in the fortress.

Today, the fortress is one of the favorite places of the residents of Skopje, but also of tourists visiting the capital. With its high point, it offers a great view of the city, especially during the evening.