Skopje

Skopje

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, and the political, cultural, economic and scientific center of the country. The city was built in the Skopje Valley, west-east along the Vardar River, which flows into the Aegean Sea in Greece. The valley is about 20 km wide, bordered by several mountain ranges to the north and south. While Skopje is built at the foot of Mount Vodno, most of the urban area is flat. The city has a variety of natural environments and a rich fauna and flora. But it is under threat from intensifying agriculture and urban expansion. The Mount Vodno, a popular recreational destination, is the largest protected area within the city borders. Its peak is connected to the city center by a cable car, and its woods are crisscrossed by a series of footpaths. Among its great natural areas is the magnificent Matka Canyon. The canyon, covering roughly 5,000 hectares, is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in North Macedonia and is home to several medieval monasteries. The Matka Lake in Matka Canyon is the country's oldest artificial lake. The canyon is habitat to a diverse range of plants and animals, some of which are found only here. About 20% of the flora found here is endemic. It's also home to the most venomous snake in southern Europe, the Horned Viper. The city itself includes a number of parks and gardens, including the City Park, built by the Ottomans in the early 20th century, Žena Borec Park in front of the Parliament, the University Arboretum and the Gazi Baba Forest.