Scupi and Roman Skopje: the back story

About Scupi and Roman Skopje: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Skopje Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

A few kilometres north-west of the centre, near the village of Zlokućani, lie the remains of Scupi, a Roman colony that was once one of the most important cities of the central Balkans.

The colony

The Romans settled veterans here in the 1st century AD, founding the colony of Scupi on a terrace above the Vardar. It controlled the road between the Danube and the Aegean and became the capital of the province of Dardania in late antiquity.

The city at its height

Excavations have uncovered a theatre, a large basilica, baths, a city wall, streets and houses, and a cemetery with many inscriptions. Finds are displayed in the Archaeological Museum and in the Lapidarium at Kuršumli An.

Skopje’s story begins in a quiet field by the river.

The earthquake of 518

In 518 a great earthquake destroyed Scupi. The town was rebuilt on the hill where Kale now stands, and the Roman city slowly disappeared under the fields.

Visiting

The site is spread over a wide area of grassland, so wear good shoes and bring water and sun protection. Opening arrangements vary; check before you go. It combines well with the Skopje Aqueduct, also north-west of the city.

Our advice: visit the Archaeological Museum first to see what was found, then take a taxi to Scupi in the late afternoon, when the light is soft and the site is quiet. Ask the driver to wait or arrange a pick-up.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Scupi and Roman Skopje: the back story before you go.