Conservation and restoration works began on one of the main symbols of the capital of North Macedonia – the Skopje Aqueduct. Irena Stefoska, the Minister of Culture of North Macedonia, accompanied by Aco Kostov, director of the Directorate for Protection of Cultural Heritage, and Kole Chapkanovski, director of the Conservation Center – Skopje, presented the project’s first phase.
“The Skopje Aqueduct is one of the last of its kind in the Balkans that were entirely preserved. Unfortunately, we cannot say this is our accomplishment. This is why I called it a masterpiece of the ancient builders that has managed to survive the centuries and natural disasters, wars and people. Now we have a chance to remedy this and this is what we are doing,” said the Minister of Culture Irena Stefoska during today’s visit to the Skopje Aqueduct.
According to director of the Conservation Center – Skopje Kole Chapkanovski, this year is very significant when it comes to the protection of our heritage.
“Firstly, we will start with activities around the channel i.e. we shall divert the waters to another channel. The next procedure will be to reinforce the pillars. We are here to preserve this monument, in order for our country to enjoy all benefits from it,” said Director Chakanovski.
Otherwise, the Government has recently adopted a decision to declare the Skopje Aqueduct a cultural heritage of high significance importance, subcategory extraordinary significance.
