Stone Bridge (Skopje)

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Stone Bridge
Камен Мост
Stone bridge in Skopje.jpg
Crosses Vardar River
Locale Skopje
Design arch bridge
Total length 214 m
Width 6 m

The Stone Bridge (Macedonian: About this sound Камен мост , Turkish: Taşköprü) is a bridge across the Vardar River in Skopje, the capital of the Republic of Macedonia. The bridge is also less frequently known as the Dušan Bridge (Macedonian and Serbian: Душанов мост) after Stephen Dušan, Emperor of Serbia.[1]

The bridge is considered a symbol of Skopje and is the main element of the coat of arms of the city, which in turn is incorporated in the city's flag.[2] The Stone Bridge connects Macedonia Square, in the center of Skopje, to the Old Bazaar.[3]


Night view of the bridge.



The current Stone Bridge was built on Roman foundations under the patronage of Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror between 1451 and 1469.[5][6][7] Throughout the centuries, the Stone Bridge was often damaged and then repaired. There is historical evidence that it once suffered during the great earthquake of 1555 which heavily damaged or destroyed four pillars. Renovations were carried out the same year. In 1944, explosives were placed on the bridge by Nazis. Upon a request from city notables, the Germans give up at the last minute and the bridge was saved from destruction. The last reconstruction of the bridge began in 1994. The watchtower shaped like a mihrab was reconstructed in 2008.



See also[edit]