On the hilly bank of the Vardar River in the heart of Skopje stands the ancient Venetian fortress of Kale - an unprecedented city symbol, an object of Macedonia's national pride. On the territory of the fortress a magic park is broken, where both citizens and tourists go for a walk. To admit, the view from the local hill is simply amazing: Skopje is in the palm of your hand. And how nice to contemplate the fortress, realizing that you have a detailed page of living history before you.
History
The oldest signs of human life on the territory of the modern fortress date back to the prehistoric period. However, the first fortifications in the Vardara valley began to appear only after several centuries, in the first century AD, during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Flavius Justinian. More or less modern appearance of the fortress of Calais was acquired by the 10th century under the patronage of the Bulgarian king Samuel. It is known that at that time the fortress stood the perennial Norman storms and sieges
In the 13th century, when the city came under the control of Serbia, Kale turned into a real administrative center. The fortress was of strategically important military importance and was the center of crafts. On the territory of the fortress stood several churches. The gradual fortification of the fortress continued, which intensified with the arrival of the Turkish authorities.
Throughout the history of its existence The fortress of Skopje was several times captured, destroyed and rebuilt. This is why the object is so interesting from the point of view of history and archeology, because every stage of the fort's re-birth is associated with a new power, culture, history page.
Architecture
The powerful fortress walls of Calais cover a huge area on a hill near Vardara. They are made of stone and on their entire length are diluted by tall square towers, of which there are as many as 12. The outer sides of the walls are equipped with convenient walkways and steps, so you can walk around practically all the way.
The foundations of ancient buildings some more modern buildings. Here you can meet some strange sculptures. The park inside the fortress is beautifully landscaped: paved paths, benches, lights, fences and, of course, numerous trees.
In the summer time, concerts, parties, theater performances and other events are held in the fortress of Calais. Simply put, Skopje's center of activity is being thrown straight here. The most famous stars of the modern music scene, such as Massive Attack, Alter Bridge, Lzzy Hale, etc., perform in the walls of the legendary fortress
Practical information
Skopje Fortress is located on the right bank of Vardara between the streets of Lazar Litochenski and Samoilov. From the area of Macedonia to Calais can be reached in about 15 minutes, following the street of Orsa Nikolova.
Admission is free.