STOBI

The ancient town of particular importance even before the Roman conquest) was constructed at an extraordinarily strategic place. It was destroyed by a massive earthquake in 518 A.D, but had still succeeded in preserving itself until the fourteenth century. The great part of Stobi has been excavated and has yielded very important archaeological findings. The most attractive and important for tourists include: the Bishop's church the Partenius palace, the Peristerij palace, Poliharmos and Amphitheatre. Evaluating the remains, it can be said that the Bishop's church had a monumental view and was richly decorated in mosaics. Today, besides the mosaics discovered in nartex, some fresco fragments have been found there on the northern and western walls of the church, thought to have originated from the fifth and sixth century A.D. One of the most representative buildings in Stobi is the Pertenius palace, built in the fifth century. Its rich decoration arrangement of rooms and great space, give evidence of the wealth and comfortable life led by some citizens of this town. What contributed to the value of this building distinguishing it from the others, are the decorations of mosaic and white marble and ornamental tiles. The Peristerij palace is also famous as a palace with double doors and two aspes placed one besides the other. Some mosaics made in the fifth century with different figures and ornaments from animal and plant life were preserved there. The remains of the town drinking fountain and town bath are close to that place. There are different opinions on the period of construction of the amphitheatre in Stobi. Some say that it was constructed in the second century A.D, others thought it was built in the third century. However, this theatre was renovated and enlarged several times and part of that construction material was used in a later period of construction in Stobi and its surroundings. The archaeological site of Stobi also has a restaurant.