Stobi (entrance 120 MKD) was an ancient town of Paeonia, later conquered by Macedon, and finally turned into the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia Salutaris. Stobi was built where the Erigon (Crna River) joins the Axios (Vardar), making it strategically important as a center for both trade and warfare. The city rests on 3 terraces, a monumental amphitheater, tall columns, and spectacular mosaics are surrounded by walls, narrating the colorful history of the Arc, Roman, Byzantine, and Slavic eras. Established in the 7th century BC, Stobi grew under the Macedonians and Romans. Its ancient Jewish population is indicated by synagogue foundations, beneath Christian basilica remains. Important as a Byzantine archbishopric, Stobi was sacked by Goths in 479 and further doomed by an earthquake in 518. Although the location was discovered in 1861, it wasn’t until the Germans unearthed the first remnants of the Roman city of Stobi while digging trenches in this area in WWI that the ancient city really came to the world’s attention. Only 20% of the site has been excavated in the past 100 years, so untold treasures undoubtedly still await discovery. We took dinner in nearby Lazar Winery (Traditional meat pot for two – 850 MKD, Mineral water – 100 MKD / 0,75 l, Local brandy shot – 70 MKD). Highway costs us 5 EUR (Class 2) from Canyon Matka to Stobi.
Parking location – Stobi: 41.560456N 21.974680E (🚻 – 08:00-16:00)