"Veles" Veles by Vanity666

Veles Travel Guide: 31 reviews and 116 photos

Veles lies in the heart of Macedonia and is at the crossroads of 3 rivers: the Topolka, Babuna, and the Vardar. Registered in historic records as a city that Peony tribes created during the Roman period, Veles remains an enchanting place for lovers of history with its many artifacts from numerous archeological sites dating as far back as 70,000 years. A rock at a former citadel Kale has an inscription that translates as “keeps in coldness the hot memories of the stormy times as the waters of Vardar, calm as the sunset above Veles.” At the crossroads of the histories of the old Macedonians, Romans, and first Sclavinias, the Slavic tribes built the city in the 4th century. Carsija - old street with storesUnder five centuries of Ottoman rule, a multitude of wars and revolutions, Macedonia and Veles, in particular, retain a mystique that is unparelled by any other place in the world. In the earlier half of the 20th century, a generation lived under six different countries without ever stepping outside of Macedonia.

From the 14th to the 19 century, the city of Veles blossomed in urban and sacred architecture. Kojnik, the kernel of the city, is full of old architecture and rustic structures and is best explored on foot. Veles also flourished as a trade center for passing merchants and later, as an industrial epicenter for the nation. While it served as a temporary home for caravans throughout the world, it has served as the home for tailors, cobblers, farmers, and those in numerous other trades.

A small wooden bridge along with a large bridge called “Zelezen Most” (iron bridge), made daily trade possible at the Saracka Carsija market, which was for craftsmen in the eastern part of the city above locality Sokolaana. Here, on the two sides of the Vardar River, the city blossomed in industry- oil, brick and tobacco. In the 19th century, the church St. Pantelejmon, one of the most beautiful Christian temples of the Balkans, was built. Veles is known for having the greatest writings in all of Macedonia ranging from the poetry of Ratcin to the theatrical essays and journalistic writings of Dzinot.

Last visit to Veles: Jun 2008
Intro Written Oct 4, 2008
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Reviews (9)

Lake Veles Things to Do (9)

Lake Veles is situated about 10km from the city, and there is a Hotel Romantique on it's coast where you can take a swim... more travel advice

The International Folklore Festival - Veles

The International Folklore Festival Things to Do (9)

The long tradition of the cares for Macedonian folklore animates the culture workers of Veles to found the international... more travel advice

Memorial “Kosturnica” Things to Do (9)

The imposing monument is built in 1979 in the entry of the town of Veles, on it's right side. It remains an eternal tomb... more travel advice

Statue of Petre Prlicko Things to Do (9)

He is known as one of the greatest actors in the history of the art, film and Macedonian theater. He was born in Veles... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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fabrice Nov 8, 2009 at 12:36 AM

I would be happy to visit macedonia
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Pijlmans Nov 18, 2008 at 11:45 AM

Maybe I should pay Veles a visit next time! The lake looks nice... Cheers, Dennis
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mindcrime Oct 24, 2008 at 3:52 AM

Nice Marko! So, what month the festival takes place?