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All North Macedonia Skopje The Statues of Skopje

The Statues of Skopje

These abundant, over-the-top monuments are so widely scattered that they define the entire compact capital cityscape, often leading to jokes about whether there are more statues than residents.

Skopje, North Macedonia

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Johan SWE
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The Great Warrior   Juan Antonio Segal (CC BY 2.0)
The Great Warrior   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
Bridge of Civilizations   Dennis Jarvis (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Fountain of the Mothers of Macedonia   Aiva (CC BY 2.0)
Independent Macedonia Colonnade   young shanahan (CC BY 2.0)
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
Eight statues in one shot   Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
Splashes of color on Porta Macedonia.   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The distinctive character of North Macedonia's relatively small capital, with a population of roughly 600,000, is encapsulated by the whimsical question: "How many statues grace Skopje's streets? I can't say for sure, but there may well be more statues than residents!"

In fact, the city center is adorned with hundreds of extravagant, faux-classical, patriotic sculptures that didn't exist prior to the turn of the millennium. The Bridge of Civilizations serves as a prime example of this abundance, boasting an impressive collection of over 30 sculptures along a single downtown pedestrian crossing.

Skopje's eccentric transformation commenced in 2008 with a budget ranging from €80 to €500 million. The project aimed to boost tourism and establish a distinctive city identity but sparked debates about diverting funds from essential infrastructure projects in favor of constructing kitsch, ornate statues, and neoclassical structures adorned with elaborate columns. This controversy led to protests and incidents of vandalism, including frequent paint-bombings of monuments.

In Skopje's main square, you'll discover the city's largest statue featuring Alexander the Great on his loyal steed Bucephalus. However, it goes by the alias 'The Great Warrior' due to ongoing disputes between North Macedonians and Greeks regarding his heritage. This impressive 72-foot (22-meter) bronze statue, surrounded by warriors and a central fountain, serves as the centerpiece of the city's nightly light shows. Yet, it remains an anonymous tribute to one of history's greatest military commanders. The irony lies in the city's quest for recognition while unable to use his true name, Alexander the Great, showcasing the complex historical narratives woven into Skopje's streets.

Related Tags

Monuments History & Culture Urban Planning Statues

Know Before You Go

Most of the statues in Skopje are situated either within or near Macedonia Square in the city center, which is approximately a 20-minute walk from the train and bus station.

Community Contributors

Added By

Johan SWE

Edited By

Max Cortesi, Collector of Experiences

  • Max Cortesi
  • Collector of Experiences

Published

October 3, 2023

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Sources
  • https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/apr/11/skopje-macedonia-architecture-2014-project-building
  • https://bbqboy.net/wild-wacky-skopje-macedonia-one-strangest-places-weve
  • https://www.anadventurousworld.com/skopje-statues
The Statues of Skopje
Skopje, 1000
North Macedonia
41.996207, 21.431894

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