Medieval castles in North Macedonia
Skopje Fortress
The Skopje Fortress, commonly referred to as Kale, is situated on the highest point in the city overlooking the Vardar River. The fortress is depicted on the coat of arms of Skopje, which in turn is incorporated in the city"s flag. The first fortress was built in 6th century AD on a land that was inhabited during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages (roughly 4000 BC onwards). It was constructed with yellow limestone ...
Founded: 10th century AD |
Location:
Skopje, North Macedonia
Samuel's Fortress
Samuel"s Fortress in the old town of Ohrid was built during the rule of Tsar at the turn of the 11th century. Today, 18 towers and four gates still remain from the original structure. With its strategic location overlooking the town and the lake, it provides an ideal place for taking in the whole panorama of Ohrid and its surroundings. It was heavily restored in 2003 with the addition of entirely new battlements wher ...
Founded: 11th century |
Location:
Ohrid, North Macedonia
Strumica Fortress
Strumica Fortress is a ruined fortress in eastern North Macedonia. It overlooks the city of Strumica. The fortress was built in the 5th century, although the site itself dates from the 1st century BC. Reconstruction of the fortress began in March, 2014.
Founded: 5th century AD |
Location:
Strumica, North Macedonia
Markovi Kuli
Markovi Kuli or Marko"s Towers are situated to the northwest of Prilep, just above the village of Varoš. The towers, named after Serbian medieval Prince Marko Mrnjavčević, are located on a 120–180 m high hill, surrounded by steep slopes covered with minute granite stones. The upper part of the former settlement can be reached from its north and south side. During the four-decade archaeological research, remnant ...
Founded: 13th century |
Location:
Prilep, North Macedonia
Viničko Kale
Viničko Kale is an ancient ruin located on the hill above the town of Vinica, North Macedonia. It is located on the left side of the Grdečka River, on a hill about 400 meters above sea level. Viničko Kale was discovered in 1954. In 1978, 5 fragments of terra-cotta icons were discovered in Viničko Kale, which shows that it was inhabited from Neolithic times to the Middle Ages. In 1978, 5 fragments of terra-cotta icons ...
Founded: 4th century AD |
Location:
Vinica, North Macedonia
Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings
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Historic Site of the week
Krickenbeck Castle
Krickenbeck moated castle is one of the oldest on the lower Rhine. Its history dates back to the year 1104, when the castle was first mentioned. It is unclear why the old castle, which was certainly inhabited by Count Reginar, was abandoned or destroyed. In the mid-13th century the castle was moved to the current location. At the end of the 14th century the new castle belonged to the Counts of Kleve.
Johann Friedrich II of Schesaberg converted the castle into a Baroque mansion between 1708-1721. On September 7, 1902, a fire destroyed the entire mansion. From 1903 to 1904, a three-winged castle was built in the Neo-Renaissance style. Today Krickenbeck is a conference center.