Skopía

Skopía is the Greek name for Skopje, the capital and largest city of the Republic of North Macedonia. It lies in the northern part of the country along the Vardar River and functions as its political, cultural, and economic center. The city has a long history, with settlement traces dating back to ancient times and a succession of rulers, including the Dardani, the Roman and Byzantine empires, and the Ottoman Empire. In the modern era, Skopje became the capital of North Macedonia after the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991. In Greek usage, the exonym for the city is commonly rendered as Skópia (Σκόπια).

Notable features and landmarks reflect the city’s layered heritage. The Stone Bridge (Kamen Most) spans the Vardar and has linked the old and new parts of the city since the Ottoman period. The Kale Fortress sits on a hill overlooking the center, offering views of the urban landscape. The Old Bazaar is one of the largest and best-preserved such districts in the Balkans, showcasing a mix of Macedonian, Ottoman, and Balkan influences. The city hosts cultural institutions, universities, and museums that illuminate its multiethnic history.

Demographics and economy: Skopje has a population in the vicinity of several hundred thousand residents, with a broader metropolitan area that is larger. It serves as the administrative and commercial hub of North Macedonia, hosting government institutions, trade, and services, as well as a growing tourism sector.