Daut-pašin amam

Daut Pasha's Hamam - The most important information

Daut Pasha's Hamam in Skopje is one of the most significant buildings in the territory of the former SFR Yugoslavia. In its exterior design, it is characterized by simplicity. The fifth facade, covered with domes of various dimensions, which hint at the interior content of the building, stands out in particular. It was built in alternating rows of stone and brick. The upper parts of the interior are plastered and decorated with reliefs of Islamic motifs. Today, Daut Pasha's Amam is part of the National Art Gallery and a unique place where you can see the development of fine art in Macedonia, from medieval icons to the latest works from the end of the 20th century. Thus, Amam today attracts lovers of art, history, and oriental architecture.

History of Daut Pasha's Hamam

It was built in 1484 and consisted of a male and female section with undressing, sweating, bathing, and rest. It was made by the Turkish general Daut Pasha, one of the viziers of Sultan Mehmed II, the Conqueror (1451-1481), and a grand vizier from the time of Sultan Bayazit II. It was damaged in a fire in 1689 and left to decay gradually. After the Second World War in 1949, it was renovated and adapted into the National Art Gallery. In the earthquake of 1963, it was damaged again, and after the rehabilitation, it continued to work in the same function.

Interestingly, Daut Pasha's Hamam was never used as an imam. There are two legends about it. According to one, heating the imam requires large amounts of firewood. As they could not secure them because the forest on Mount Vodno was almost destroyed, the lack of wood prevented the amam from being put into operation. Another legend is related to Daut Pasha's daughter. Before he was released into service, she visited Amam, was bitten by a poisonous snake, and died. Then Daut Pasha ordered the imam to be closed and never used again.

Working hours of Daut Pasha Hamam

The operating hours of Daut Pasha's Hamam, i.e., the National Gallery, are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to get to Daut Pasha's Amam?

Daut Pasha's Amam is at the beginning of the Old Skopje bazaar, near the Church of St. Dimitrija.

On foot: When you head from Makedonija Square, i.e., Ploštad, the exit from the town square leads you to the Stone Bridge, which you need to cross. When you have crossed the Stone Bridge and Vradar, continue straight along Crvena Skopska Municipal Street, where you will soon reach Daut Pasha's Amam.
By car: If you plan to drive to Daut Pasha's mama, not far from Porta Makedonija, there is the largest closed garage in Skopje, and you can leave your car there. It takes 10-15 minutes to walk from there. Otherwise, the price of parking in this garage is 30 denars for the first hour, while each subsequent hour is 20 denars. Another option is to park your car at the parking lot at the foot of Skopje Kale, from where you will reach the baths in just a few minutes. There is no charge for this parking lot on Sundays.
Taxi: If you want to get to Daut Pasha's Amam by taxi, the numbers of taxi services in Skopje are Taxi Teniks - 071/209-194 and Taxi Skopje - 071/755-252.