"MaCeDoNiA" a FYR of Macedonia Travel Page by Sencanka

International recognition of Macedonia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995 and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, although differences over Macedonia's name remain. The undetermined status of neighboring Kosovo, implementation of the Framework Agreement - which ended the 2001 ethnic Albanian armed insurgency - and a weak economy continue to be challenges for Macedonia.

The city of Skopje for the first time has been mentioned by Klaudie Diolomej, under its ancient name "Skupi". In the III century B.C. Skupi was founded by the Dardanians, and later with the coming of the Romanians it came under their rule. In this period, the city experienced real bloom on several fields, it became a large religious centre with its own bishop. In the year of 518 the city was destroyed by a disastrous earthquake.

Wonderful architectonic buildings, numerous public baths and the antic amphitheatre built in a roman style, large basilica with mosaic floors have completely disappeared from the earth’s face. Since then Skupi is not mentioned any more. The Skopje valley got a new city centre called "Justinijana Prima". By the end of the VI century, the Slavic people have showed up, which managed to occupy and to slavicize it for a period of only one century.

On 25th of October 1689 in front of the city gates, arrives the Austrian general Picolomini with its army. An event with an outstanding significance for Skopje.

After the First World War on the right side of the river Vardar a modern city has been built. 26th of July 1963 is remembered as the longest day in the history of the city. Strong earthquake, of two severe and a few weaker shocks, turned the city into ruins. Numerous cultural monuments were seriously damaged or erased from the face of the earth. In today’s conditions the city is experiencing its own renaissance for many times in its history.