Breathing New Life into the Past:
The Skopje Aqueduct and a North Macedonia’s Green Future
Just outside the city of Skopje, tucked near the village of Vizbegovo, stands a silent but powerful reminder of the past: the Skopje Aqueduct. This awe-inspiring structure, stretching nearly 400 meters with 55 elegant arches still standing, is a rare treasure—not just for North Macedonia, but for the entire Balkan Peninsula. It is one of only three preserved Roman aqueducts in the region, and the only one in North Macedonia, making it a unique and invaluable piece of cultural heritage.
Though historians still debate its exact origins, three main theories exist. Some believe it was built during Roman times in the 1st century AD to supply water to the ancient city of Scupi. Others argue it dates back to the Byzantine era, under the rule of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. A third theory points to the Ottoman period, suggesting it was constructed in the 16th century to support Skopje’s flourishing hammams (public baths). Regardless of its origin, the aqueduct served the city for centuries, transporting clean mountain water from the Lavovec spring to the people of Skopje.
Sadly, time and neglect have taken their toll. The surrounding area, once a vital part of an ancient water system, is now plagued by illegal dumping, littered fields, and unkempt vegetation. But that’s about to change.
From May 9th to 11th, 2025, something extraordinary will happen. Over 45,000 volunteers from all corners of the country will gather as part of Generalka Weekend—North Macedonia’s largest national cleanup and eco-action initiative. This massive event, organized with the support of public and private partners, aims to restore natural and urban areas suffering from pollution. One of this year’s main focal points? The area around the Skopje Aqueduct.
Volunteers will work together to clear the wild landfills, remove waste, and breathe new life into this historic site. The long-term vision goes beyond cleanup: the dream is to transform the area into a public park—an inviting space where families can walk, relax, and connect with history, nature, and each other.
The Skopje Aqueduct, once a channel for water, is becoming a symbol of something greater: a flow of civic pride, unity, and hope. Through collective action, North Macedonia is not only preserving its past but actively shaping a greener and more respectful future.
Denica, OLS Community Manager - Macedonian
The Skopje Aqueduct and a North Macedonia’s Green Future
Just outside the city of Skopje, tucked near the village of Vizbegovo, stands a silent but powerful reminder of the past: the Skopje Aqueduct. This awe-inspiring structure, stretching nearly 400 meters with 55 elegant arches still standing, is a rare treasure—not just for North Macedonia, but for the entire Balkan Peninsula. It is one of only three preserved Roman aqueducts in the region, and the only one in North Macedonia, making it a unique and invaluable piece of cultural heritage.
Though historians still debate its exact origins, three main theories exist. Some believe it was built during Roman times in the 1st century AD to supply water to the ancient city of Scupi. Others argue it dates back to the Byzantine era, under the rule of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. A third theory points to the Ottoman period, suggesting it was constructed in the 16th century to support Skopje’s flourishing hammams (public baths). Regardless of its origin, the aqueduct served the city for centuries, transporting clean mountain water from the Lavovec spring to the people of Skopje.
Sadly, time and neglect have taken their toll. The surrounding area, once a vital part of an ancient water system, is now plagued by illegal dumping, littered fields, and unkempt vegetation. But that’s about to change.
From May 9th to 11th, 2025, something extraordinary will happen. Over 45,000 volunteers from all corners of the country will gather as part of Generalka Weekend—North Macedonia’s largest national cleanup and eco-action initiative. This massive event, organized with the support of public and private partners, aims to restore natural and urban areas suffering from pollution. One of this year’s main focal points? The area around the Skopje Aqueduct.
Volunteers will work together to clear the wild landfills, remove waste, and breathe new life into this historic site. The long-term vision goes beyond cleanup: the dream is to transform the area into a public park—an inviting space where families can walk, relax, and connect with history, nature, and each other.
The Skopje Aqueduct, once a channel for water, is becoming a symbol of something greater: a flow of civic pride, unity, and hope. Through collective action, North Macedonia is not only preserving its past but actively shaping a greener and more respectful future.
Denica, OLS Community Manager - Macedonian