Karpoš Municipality

Understand

Karpoš is roughly the geographic centre of the ten municipalities that make up the Macedonian capital. It is divided into 14 communities, of which all but one are urban. The vast majority of residents are ethnic Macedonian and Orthodox Christians.

Getting there

By bus Karpos can be reached via lines 3, 9, 14, 24, 57 and 60.

See

1 Scupi (Скупи). Not a great deal remains of the ancient Dardanian and Roman city of Scupi. It was once the capital of Dardania and then fell under Roman rule when Dardania was annexed by the Romans. It was abandoned in 518 after an earthquake destroyed most of the city. The residents likely moved to what is now the Skopje Fortress. Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, a Skopje-area native, is believed to have used materials from Scupi to construct the new settlement at today's fortress. The remains at the site include gravestones, walls, and some pillars. Some of the remains contain interesting detail and inscriptions but Scupi should only be on your list of places to see if you have an excess of time in Skopje. Many of the major findings, such as the statue of Venus, can be found at the Museum of Archaeology. (updated Aug 2016) 2 Skopje Zoo (Зоолошка градина Скопје), ☏ +389 2 322 0578. Daily 09:00-18:00. Founded in 1926, the Skopje Zoo now boasts roughly 300 animals from 85 species. It covers 12 hectares (30 acres) right next to the City Park. After a history of poor living conditions for animals, in 2008 the city invested money in bringing animal habitats up to European standards, making the zoo a much more enjoyable place to visit. (updated Aug 2016) 3 Macedonian Museum of Natural History (Природонаучен музеј на Македонија), Bull. Ilinden 86. Next to the Skopje Zoo. (updated Aug 2016) 4 Hıfzı Pasha Lodging (Хавзипашини конаци), village of Bardovci. One of the more prominent examples of monumental residences in the country. This complex of buildings dates from the 19th century, built for Hıfzı Pasha. It consists of three building and eight guard towers enforced by a stone wall. The east side contained the harem. Construction of the complex was led by noted artist Petar Filipov. The buildings features wall painting and carved ceilings. (updated Apr 2020) Historic State Archive of Skopje (Историски архив (Скопје)). Established in 1951, the former archive holds many phot

Do

Sports 1 Boris Trajkovski Sports Center (Спортски центар Борис Трајковски), ☏ +389 2 308 9600. A modern arena home to the Macedonian national basketball, handball, and volleyball teams for both men and women. It also hosts concerts. Its maximum capacity is 8,000 for sports events. (updated Aug 2016)

Buy

1 Skopje City Mall (Скопје Сити Мол), ☏ +389 2 325 3990. Daily 10:00-22:00. Skopje's large indoor shopping mall home to stores like Zara, Nike, etc. It also features a food court and cinema. (updated Feb 2019)

Eat

1 Cafe Li, Ankarska 23, Taftalidze, ☏ +389 2 3074 569, [email protected]. 2 Enriko Pizza, Leptokarija Shopping Center, T.C. Leptokarija, Blvd. Partizanski Odredi, ☏ +389 2 3061 273. The menu includes the most delicious, Italian specialties, pizzas, pasta, pizza sandwich etc. (updated Dec 2024) 3 Martini, Boul. Partizanski Odredi, TC Leptokarija sec.5, lok.2 (from the centre walk up Boul. Partizanski (3 km!) or even better, take the bus), ☏ +389 2 3061 127, [email protected]. 10:00-01:00. Specialises in waffles, also does pancakes, salads, etc. Waffle + drink = 295 denars. (updated Dec 2024) 4 Restoran Aleksandrija 14, Londonska 6 (Taftalidze, near the green market), ☏ +389 3076411. A few minutes drive away from the cent of the city. Beside the traditional Macedonian food, macrobiotic and vegetarian dishes are available for the guests. (updated Dec 2024) 5 Balkanika, Oktomvriska revolucija 24 (across h. Aleksandar Palace), ☏ +389 2 3073 713, +389 2 3073 712. Ethnic food from Turks, Serbs, Albanians, Bulgarians, Vlaches, Greeks, Gypsies, Bosnians. Splurge. (updated Dec 2024)

Drink & nightlife

1 VOX Night Club. In Karpoš. A nightclub usually crowded on weekends. (updated Aug 2016) 2 Havana. 3 Marakana, City park. 4 Minus 1, Branislav Nushikj street.

Sleep

1 Hotel Kapistec, Mile Pop Jordanov 3 St., ☏ +389 2 3081424, +389 75 242 898 (Mob), fax: +389 2 3081425, [email protected]. €34/38. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Aleksander Palace (Palas), Bul. Oktomvriska Revolucija br.15 (5-minute drive from the centre), ☏ +389 3092-392. This 5-star hotel is probably the finest and most expensive in all of Skopje.