Euronews Lifestyle - Changing Face of Skopje

Euronews Lifestyle presents the modern and future life of the capital city of Macedonia, Skopje.

This year Macedonians celebrate the 20th anniversary of their country's independence from the former Yugoslavia.

In the first of a three-part series euronews is in Skopje to find out more about a nation on the move.

People in the capital are witnessing a transformation.

After much public debate the government has launched a major construction project.

Some of the new public buildings, including a court house and a museum, will not look modern.

Architects have gone for a style from the past.

Art historian and archaeologist Lucija Kirovska said: "Looking at things retrospectively, Skopje is building at a very fast pace, in a retro style, which is not something typically found in other European cities."

The capital also has its share of modern buildings and many structures date back to the late 1960s.

This is because Skopje had to be rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1963.

Among the newer landmarks, Skopje-born Mother Teresa has been honoured with a memorial house in the city centre.

The new transformation is expected to be completed by 2014.

Factfile:

- A major facelift of the capital was launched by Macedonian authorities in February 2010

- The project is called "Skopje 2014", the year when the work is expected to be completed

- The project was not without controversy, sparking much public debate

- Dozens of new public buildings, monuments and sculptures are being constructed

- Many of the buildings, including a court and a museum, are designed in a classical style

- The population of Skopje, the largest Macedonian city, is estimated to be about 700,000

- 80 per cent of Skopje was destroyed in an earthquake in 1963

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[autumwind86]

I will be there next march. Im so excited

[vlecka]

@autumwind86 You're welcome! By then the construction works will be done, and you will have some nice stuff to see.

[NegFi]

@autumwind86 it's beautiful, and the people there are very friendly- much more so than in western europe or the us... enjoy!

[autumwind86]

@NegFi oh i plan on being there for about 3 weeks then i will head north to Sofia, Bulgaria :D hopefully with 3 weeks i can see a few things. Its funny you mentioned Matka canyon because my friend suggested we go there, i have a feeling this is going to be a life changing experience for me...in part because this will be my first trip overseas :).

[NegFi]

@autumwind86 oh, all you really need to learn is a few key phrases - most younger people speak at least a little english. it's a very well educated country, there is no crime to speak of except the odd pickpockets (in every city). you will love it. go to the Stara Charshija and to Matka canyon... and if you have time for a day trip, go to Ohrid.

[autumwind86]

thanks this has giving an idea of what to i should expect. Though im a little nervous because i dont speak the language. thank god for my friend that lives in skopje she will surely help me by not making me feel completely out of place. I cant wait to meet the people and absorb the culture.

[GoranMak]

Awesome! I can't wait to see the work done this summer! Last year, it was really under way!!