NORTH MACEDONIA ~ Skopje ~

... Plenty of lovely views showing this visually eclectic destination... a place where culture, tradition and modern mix into a perfect, unforgettable blend... Skopje is situated along the Vardar River, which flows through the city and significantly influences its landscape....it is a place where ancient Ottoman bazaars meet controversial baroque renovations, where concrete towers stand beside hundreds of brand-new statues... the 15 century Stone Bridge nestled in the heart of Skopje is an iconic landmark that rises over the river... connecting the city's past with its present and is the primary element of the daily communication of its inhabitants and visitors... this is definitely the most unique capital in Europe, with so many contrasts every step... Thanks Phedrag!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It lies in the northern part of the country, in the Skopje Valley along the Vardar River, and is the political, economic, and cultural centre of the country. 

Interestingly, Skopje is known as the "city of statues". A massive earthquake destroyed most of the city’s historic monuments in 1963 (in fact, about 80% of the city was destroyed). Some 40 years later, the government embarked on a controversial project to "repopulate" the city with statues.
 

Stamps:

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Fauna - Squirrel

(Issued 2022)

NORTH MACEDONIA ~ Church of Saint Panteleimon - Gorno Nerezi ~

... Great view of a small Byzantine church situated in a monastery complex... located in a serene environment and nature on the mountain of Vodno... this monastery complex of the church of “St. Panteleimon” is an attractive destination not just for historians but also for art fans, locals and tourists... on your way to monastery there are many breathtaking viewpoints of the capital city... inside, the church is filled with famous examples of Byzantine Art depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ... the ancient frescoes are fragile, unique, precious and amazing to see... Thanks a lot Pedrag!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 

In the inscription over the main portal is written that the church and the monastery were built by the order of Alexius Angelus Comnenus, and all this was devoted to St.Panteleimon, the patron of the physicians. The church was constructed in 1164 and has a domed cruciform core, three apses, and a rectangular narthex. It was built with stone and brick, in the form of an inscribed cross in a rectangular space and five domes.The surrounding monastery complex is enclosed by walls.  

Stamps:

 

Definitives - Vegetables 

(Issued 27-05-2019)

Christmas. 

(Issued 06-12-2022)

Merry Christmas 

(Issued 22-11-2001)