Stone Bridge (Skopje)

Infobox Bridge
bridge_name=Stone Bridge
Камен Мост


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crosses=Vardar River
locale=Skopje
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design=Arch Bridge
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length=214 m
width=6 m
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The Stone Bridge ( _mk. audio|Mk-Kamen most.ogg|Камен мост) is a bridge across the Vardar River in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. The bridge is considered the symbol of Skopje. Most evidence suggests that the bridge was constructed in the 15th century. The Stone Bridge connects Macedonia Square, in the Center of Skopje, to the Old Town of the city. [ [http://www.exploringmacedonia.com/default.asp?ItemID=02A82B651E64A94EAB6F41236FC022FE Stone bridge, Skopje, Macedonia ] ]

Architecture

The Stone Bridge is built of solid stone blocks and is supported by firm columns that are connected with 12 semicircular arcs. The bridge is 214 m long and 6 m wide. The guardhouse has recently been reconstructed. [ [http://www.soros.org.mk/konkurs/076/angver/kamen_most.html Kameniot Most na Vardar, Skopje ] ]

History

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. In 1944, explosives were placed on the bridge by fascists. But when Skopje was liberated, the activation of the explosives was prevented and the bridge was saved from a dreadful destruction. Many executions have also taken place on this bridge, such as the execution of revolutionary Hristijan Todorovski.

Gallery

ee also

*Ottoman architecture

References