Saat Kula is an ancient clock tower located in Skopje. The tower was built 500 years ago, making it the oldest clock tower in southeastern Europe. The clock tower was engineered using techniques learned from ancient Hungarian horologists, and it is constructed in a unique hexagon shape.
In addition to its interesting history, the Saat Kula tower has cultural significance for the Macedonian people. For hundreds of years, the clock has been used to indicate the correct time for religious prayers; this practice continues today. This cultural role, combined with the architectural beauty of the tower, helps make Saat Kula one of the most notable landmarks in Macedonia.
Jakupica is a large mountain range located in the center of Macedonia. The most noticeable landmark on the mountain is its peak, Solunska Glava. This peak towers above the country at 8,000 feet tall. While imposing, the Jakupica range can accessed on foot from the city of Skopje.
The Jakupica mountains can be seen from many parts of Macedonia, making it one of the most widely seen landmarks in the country. The tallest peaks of the range are visible from both the city of Thessaloniki and the Aegean Sea, a difference in distance of over 200 miles. For comparison, this would be the equivalent of a mountain range being visible from both Washington, D.C. and New York City.
Lake Matka lies 10 miles away from the capitol city of Skopje, and features an 8.5-mile trail around its shore. The lake is geographically unique due to its location deep in a mountain valley. The terrain around the water rises steeply on all sides, creating a beautiful view. The mountainside banks offer a challenge for hikers and other explorers.
For history enthusiasts, several ancient monasteries dating back to the Byzantine era are hidden away on one side of Lake Matka. A large hydroelectric reservoir aptly named the Matka Dam can also be seen. This concrete construction is used to artificially control the level of the lake, and provides power to the surrounding area.
Zena Borec is a park located in the middle of downtown Skopje. The park offers travelers an escape from busy city life. Pathways paved with polished stones weave throughout the park, which is shaded by large trees. In addition to its natural beauty, Zena Borec is also notable for its role in modern Macedonian history. The park has hosted several political rallies and protests, including a hunger strike by union workers in 1995.
More recently, Zena Borec has become the site of a large monument to one of Macedonia's most notable writers. In January of 2010, a statue of Slavko Janevski was unveiled in the park. Janevski, a poet and prose writer, spent much of his life recording Macedonia's myths and legends into written form.
