Settled in to my new hotel and with cash I now was ready to go exploring the old town. First I wanted to go up to the fortress and get that out the way before spending more time in the old town

Suddenly I saw the Hammams (Turkish Baths) which was in perfect condition so went there instead of climbing up to the fortress.

Behind the baths is a giant fountain leading to the stone bridge across the river. On the other side were more fountains and statues. I decided not to cross the river yet and stick to my plans in the old town

Back at the Hammam it is now a city art gallery. First I wasnt going to go in but then I could see the original architecture so went in. Entry was 50Mk ($1) and aside from the art there were many arches, exposed brick, and star holes in the domes.

Now I wanted to try to navigate my way up to the fortress. I passed by an old church whose inside was very old with the artwork almost turned black and barely visible.

When I reached the gate it said it was closed to visitors and there was construction work going on. The gates were open and people were walking in so I followed them

The fortress has an outer wall from which to look down on the city and some shots of the minarets in the old town. I needed to eat so tried to head out

Next to the fortress was a massive mosque so I went there first. By now its getting to be a bit mosque overload and although it was impressive I didn't spend too long here.

On the map was supposed to be a Han which is the Turkish caravan house. I was trying to navigate my map and eventually worked my way round to it.

It was a two level arched brick building. It was disused and used by some crafts people in the back. It was a bit out of the way and run down, no tourists were here, so I decided to head out to be safe

Now I needed to eat so wanted to head more into the old town centre where there would be restaurants. I saw one with outdoor seating with people eating rice and chicken

I ordered chicken with rice, fries, and salad, and sat outside. It was very salty and came to 260Mk ($5) with salad and drink

Then I realized someone is going to come over and ask for money and a few minutes later a lady came collecting in her shoebox so I ignored her as did others. Later a group with a small girl passed thru but they didn't bother me

The restaurant was by the start of the market area so I wandered thru. North of the market was another old mosque

Now I wanted to cross the main road to the other side where the clock tower was. I noticed another old mosque with a rose garden and cemetery

When I climbed up to the clock tower it was closed to public but was on the grounds of an even older mosque in poorer state of repair.

Then I crossed back the main road and wandered back into the old town. There was supposed to be another Han which is the Turkish Inns and stables. Eventually I found it and this was now used as an art college on the two levels

I found another Hammam (Turkish Bath) also in good condition and used as an art gallery. They told me it ws closed so I just saw the entrance arches

Finally wandering I came to a third one. This was the same design with two levels but was actually a madressa (school) and not a stable and inn.

We think of Macedonia as being 'Greek' but the Turks have really left their mark in the old town with two bath houses, two caravan hans, a madrassa, and a dozen mosques

I havent seen any churches yet but I think they will probably be on the other side of the river which I will visit tomorrow.

YOUTUBE VIDEO

Prayer Call, Skopje Old Town