"Stobi" Stobi by Pijlmans

Stobi Travel Guide: 42 reviews and 183 photos

Stobi is the largest archaeological site in Macedonia. It is located near the village Gradsko, on the highway from Veles to the south.

Together with Heraclea Lyncestis near Bitola this was also the most interesting site. Other archaeological sites I've visited are Skupi near Skopje and Plaosnik in Ohrid.

Stobi was built at the crossing of two important old Roman roads: the Axios Way along the river Vardar connected Stobi with Skupi (Skopje) and the Diagonal Way connected Stobi with Heraclea Lyncestis (Bitola).

The site has likely been inhabited since before the 4th century BC. The Roman ruins date from the 2nd-6th century AD. In the 6th century the city was abandoned after a series of earthquakes.

When we were in Stobi in the spring of 2008, an extra surprise were the seas of flowers which added extra beauty to the site.

Have a look at the Map of Stobi to get an idea of the size of the site.

Stobi

In my tips you can find some information about the structures of Stobi:

Lapidarium
North Basilica
Civil Basilica
Central Basilica and Synagogues
Palace of Polycharmos / House of Psalms
City Fountain
Large Bath
House of Peristerias
Theodosian Palace
House of the Fuller
Prison Area
Episcopal Residence
Semicircular Square
Episcopal Basilica
Baptistery
Defense Wall
Theater
Casino
New excavation

Theater and bar

Close to the Theater of Stobi, and at the main entrance of the site, is a bar/restaurant, with toilet facilities.

There is also a museum shop with a good selection of books about Stobi and other archaeological sites. You can also buy replicas of famous Macedonian artifacts here.

In total, we spend about two hours at the site. The site is big, and there is no shadow, so go well prepared: take sun cream and water!

If you cannot stand the heat, you can take a virtual tour from the north to the south by visiting my Stobi Travelogues.

Last visit to Stobi: May 2008
Intro Updated Jun 29, 2008
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Reviews (21)

Welcome refreshments Restaurants (1)

This bar/restaurant is next to the main entrance to the archeological site Stobi. After you wandered for several hours... more travel advice

New excavation Things to Do (19)

When we visited Stobi in May 2008, there was a recent excavation. The new excavation is east of the Civil... more travel advice

Lapidarium at Stobi Things to Do (19)

Close to the Northern entrance and the museum, is a small Lapidarium, where several (tomb)stones and other pieces of... more travel advice

Casino at Stobi Things to Do (19)

This structure dates from the 4th to 6th century. It is named Casino after the gambling equipment and dice that were... more travel advice

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Map of Stobi

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Comments (4)

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coceng Aug 30, 2010 at 11:37 AM

How did you get to this place ? By taxi or hiring a car ? From Veles or Prilep ?
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junecorlett May 6, 2009 at 11:14 PM

Nice tips, I learnt something.
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unaS Aug 27, 2008 at 9:45 AM

Great info. Will have to see if I can get hold of the book!
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ATLC Jul 15, 2008 at 12:18 AM

At such an ancient site you really need to know what you're looking at. Excellent photos and tips, Dennis :-)