Skopje Ottoman Heritage Tour

Five centuries of Ottoman oppression in Macedonia have left deep traces, a real mixture of cultures and religions. The remnants of that turbulent time are noticeable today, not only in the Macedonian folklore but also in material remnants that survive to this day. Unlike the darkness of the medieval Byzantine times, the Ottoman Empire brought the erotic and narcotic scent of the Orient.

Visit Chifte Baths, that was once a double bath where both men and women relaxed with massages, spas, saunas, is now an art gallery. Visit the Hammam with 13 domes, the monumental work of Daut Pasha; see Mustafa Pasha mosque, the impressive work of Islamic architecture; look up to the highest minaret in Skopje, Yahya Pasha mosque from the 14th century.

Walk through the Old Bazaar and feel the spirit of the Ottoman times. Experience the Ottoman in Macedonia! Meeting with your local guide at the reception of the hotel at 09:00 o clock.

A sightseeing tour will start with a visit to Sultan Murat mosque. The mosque of Sultan Murat II (1421-1451) is located in one of the most dominant locations in Skopje.

It is placed in a hilly area that rises above the old part of the city. Dating back to 1436, this mosque ranks among the oldest Ottoman monuments that have been preserved to date.

To the north of the Sultan Murat mosque, inside the courtyard rises Sahat Kulla (the clock tower) which is a constituent part of the mosque compound. Further visits of Gazi Isa Bey Mosque, Ishak Beg (Aladza) Mosque, the old part of town (Kurshumli An, Bezisten, Suli An, Chifte Amam, Kapan An, Daut Pasha Hamam), the кülliye of Skopje, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Ottoman period of the Skopje Fortress.

The tour ends in one of the many tea shops in the old bazaar.

Price Includes:

* Refreshments

* All sightseeing and entrance fees

* Full escort by a professional guide

Where: Skopje

When: All year long

Tour Difficulty: Easy (nothing more than normal walking while sightseeing).

Equipment Checklist: Comfortable walking shoes