Skopje

Nestled at the foot of Vodno Mountain, Skopje's first impression is of rapid growth and modernization, but don't let that fool you. The city's roots go back to prehistoric times. On the north bank of the winding Vardar River are the remains of the old fortified town; below it is a maze of narrow alleyways threading through the Old Bazaar, with origins dating back to the 12th century.