Skopsko Kale

Skopsko Kale - The most important information

Skopsko Kale is a fortress located on the hill Gradište above Skopje, at the foot of the river Vardar. It is believed that the area of the Kale Fortress was inhabited as early as the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, while the fortress itself dates back to the time of Emperor Justinian I. Various archaeological remains were found at the Kale Fortress. Today, Skopsko Kale Fortress is one of the most striking buildings in Skopje, with several different cultural and tourist motifs. In addition to its cultural and historical importance and famous appearance, this fortress also attracts tourists because of the beautiful panoramic view of Skopje.

History of Skopsko Kale
According to today's knowledge, the first fortress was built in VI, during the reign of Emperor Justinian, on the hill above Vardar. The fort was built from enormous stone blocks taken from the nearby town of Skupija (after which Skopje got its name), destroyed in an earthquake in 518. Due to its strategic position and role, different warriors often attacked and used the fortress throughout history. After the collapse of Samoil's empire in 1018, the city was occupied by the rebels of Peter Deljan. Then it was attacked by Cumans, Scythians, Pechenegs, and others. There is not much information about the fate and condition of the fortress during the early Middle Ages. What is known for sure is that with walls over 100 meters high and 2.80 - 4.20 meters thick, this fortification represented a tiny medieval town. Since the Ottoman conquest of Skopje in the 14th century, the fortress has been reconstructed several times. The last significant damage to the Kale Fortress was experienced during the catastrophic earthquake that struck Skopje in 1963, and these were the last significant changes that this fortification underwent.

The importance of Skopsko Kale

Emperor Dušan was crowned emperor of the Serbs and Greeks on Easter, April 16, 1346, in the Kale fortress. Even today, you can see the remains of the church where Emperor Dušan was crowned.
In 1951, the Archaeological Museum took over the management of Kale, and today it is the site of significant and vital archaeological research. Exhibits from the 4th millennium BC were found, and most of the items come from the time of Byzantium and the Middle Ages.
The fact that this fortress is on the coat of arms of the city, as well as on the flag of the city, speaks of the importance of Kale for Skopje.

How to get to Kale
Skopsko Kale is located near the center of Skopje, on the right bank of the Vardar River, between Lazar Ličenoski and Samoilova streets.

On foot: You can reach the fortress on foot, most of Skopje is flat, and the fort is only a 15-minute walk from Macedonia Square. From the square, you need to head towards one of the bridges, the Pedestrian Bridge, the Stone Bridge, or the Civilization Bridge; they are all close. After crossing them, you must cross the boulevard Goce Delčev and take Samuilova Street, which leads you to Kale.
By car: Starting from the center, i.e., Makedonija Square, head towards Goce Delčev Bridge; when you cross it, turn right into 11. Marta Street, from which you soon turn left into Samoilova Street, which leads you to the Kale fortress. In the middle of Kale, an organized parking lot is free on Sundays.
Taxi stations: If you want to get to Kale by taxi, the taxi numbers available in Skopje are Taxi Teniks - 071/209-194 and Taxi Skopje - 071/755-252.