The city is split into two very distinct areas - the new town with modern buildings such as restaurants and clubs such as the 'Cuba Libre' which lights up the skyline at night, whilst the UNESCO protected old town is a maze of winding and hilly cobblestoned streets - it was here where I was staying and the walk to my hotel was certainly exerting but it was worth it for the wonderful views I enjoyed from my balcony.
Above: Main Street in Ohrid
Below: Walk up to my hotel and views from my room
One of my favourite things to see in this city was the old cars people still frequently used to drive around in, not sure what they're like to drive but they look great!
Now to have a look at Ohrid's most interesting attractions in the old town and the first of those is 'Plaosnik' which is a site of great archaeological importance, supposedly dating back to the start of Christianity. The standout feature of the site is the recently rebuilt church of St. Panteleimon which has been very skilfully reconstructed on the original site overlooking the lake.
The main dominating sight which can be seen from a distance around and as you drive into the city is Car Samoil's Castle, I walked all the way around its walls on my way to Ohrid's most picturesque spot which is the Church of St. John at Kaneo. The church is literally perched right on the edge of the lake and whichever way you get there you're guaranteed a scenic walk. I walked along a path which followed the shore of the lake and went through woodland before arriving at my stunning destination.
On my third day in Macedonia I moved on from Ohrid and headed to the country's capital city - Skopje. There weren't many English speakers I came across here so I was quite pleased once I managed to get my ticket for the three hour journey ahead. The bus I boarded for the trip was fairly respectable but it quickly became clear that the state of Macedonia's roads meant a bumpy ride was on the way! After a while I got used to the repetitive knocking up and down and began to enjoy what was quite spectacular scenery. The bus climbed up and down mountains a few times and the green landscape was stunning and dotted with small villages which were all pinpointed by the fact that they each had a small mosque, a demonstration of the large Albanian and Muslim population living in the area.
On arrival in Skopje it didn't take me very long to feel completely overdressed! The mountains must have made a difference but the temperature was suddenly significantly warmer and the wind that of course blows off the lake in Ohrid had now gone. I stayed in a great hotel off Macedonia square which is right in the heart of the city. It was great to look outside of my hotel window and see the buzzing streets whilst it allowed me to take in some of the attractions on what turned in to a beautiful and warm evening.
Above: Arriving in Skopje
Below: View from Stone Bridge towards mountains in the distance
Below, left: View from my hotel room
Below, right: At Alexander the Great statue
Below: Macedonia Square
Above: Me enjoying the hot sunshine in Skopje
Below: Walking towards the Old Bazaar
Above: The Old Bazaar
Below: More pictures from the riverside
Above you can see a few times the towering Alexander the Great statue which is the most famous landmark of the city but there were some other very interesting historical attractions. The city's most famous native of the 20th century is Mother Teresa. She is of course world renowned and it is therefore difficult to walk a corner without deservedly seeing a picture or reference to her. The centre point for the memorial to her is 'Mother Teresa House' which is located not too far from Macedonia Square. The newly built house was constructed on the site of the original house she was born in but this was eventually demolished. It really is a beautiful structure and has an equally striking backdrop of the also newly built church in dedication to Saints Constantine and Helena. The statue you can also see below with Mother Teresa's name on written in Cyrillic is, I think, a very simple but calming reference to her by the side of what is a thriving and hectic street.
As is the case in Ohrid the fortress overlooking the city here is very difficult to miss but unlike in Ohrid I did go inside and enjoyed the great views over Skopje from all sides. The fortress dates back to the 6th century and is probably in need of some TLC but it doesn't cost a penny and in the nature of what is a very compact city it's only a small walk from the centre.
