The Stone Bridge, known locally as 'Kamen Most', is one of the most iconic landmarks in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.
Spanning the Vardar River, it's so important that it serves as the main symbol on the city's coat of arms and flag.
Physically, the bridge connects the modern Macedonia Square with the historic Old Bazaar district. It's built from solid stone blocks, stretching 214 meters long and 6 meters wide. Its structure is supported by strong columns linked by 12 semicircular arches, and it features a distinctive, reconstructed guardhouse.
While it stands on older Roman foundations, the bridge as we see it today originates mainly from the Ottoman period. It was constructed under the patronage of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror between 1451 and 1469.
Over its long history, the Stone Bridge has endured significant events. It suffered heavy damage in a major earthquake in 1555 but was repaired. It was also the site of historical executions, like that of the rebel leader Karposh in 1689. Remarkably, it was saved from planned destruction by retreating German forces at the end of World War II after city officials pleaded for it.
More recently, the bridge underwent extensive reconstruction starting in 1994, a process that lasted seven years. Today, the Stone Bridge remains not just a vital crossing point, but also a powerful symbol connecting – and for some, highlighting the division between – the different historical and cultural parts of Skopje that lie on either side of the Vardar River.