Millennium Cross
OVERVIEW
Perched on a mountain, a colossal 66-meter steel cross serves as a glowing night beacon of faith.
It is One of the Tallest Crosses in the World
Standing at 66 meters (217 feet) tall, the Millennium Cross is roughly equivalent to a 20-story building. It is one of the largest metal crosses in the world and can be seen from almost any point in Skopje, as well as from neighboring cities on a clear day.
Built to Celebrate 2,000 Years of Christianity
The cross was constructed in 2002 to serve as a monument marking two millennia of Christianity in Macedonia and the world. Its construction was a joint venture funded by the Macedonian Orthodox Church, the Macedonian government, and donations from Macedonians worldwide.
It Sits on a Historically Named Peak
The cross is located on Krstovar Peak, the highest point of Vodno Mountain (1,066 meters or 3,497 feet above sea level). Interestingly, Krstovar translates to "Place of the Cross" in Macedonian. The peak held this name long before the giant metal cross was built, as a smaller wooden cross had historically stood on the site during the Ottoman Empire.
It Serves as a Giant Night-Time Beacon
At night, the cross is illuminated by thousands of powerful LED lights. It shines brightly over the Skopje valley and serves as a visual compass for the city. On a clear night, the glowing cross can be seen from up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) away.
There is a Hidden Elevator Inside
While it looks like a solid steel lattice structure from afar, the Millennium Cross actually has an internal elevator. It was designed to take visitors up to the horizontal arms of the cross for a panoramic view of the region, though the elevator is only opened for special occasions or maintenance.
You Can Reach It via an Austrian-Built Cable Car
In 2011, the Millennium Cross Cable Car (Žičara) was opened to make the peak accessible to everyone. Built by the famous Austrian ropeway company Doppelmayr, the cable car takes visitors from the middle of Vodno Mountain (Sredno Vodno) to the base of the cross in just under 8 minutes, offering stunning views of the surrounding forests and the city below.
The Design is Inspired by the Eiffel Tower
The architects, Jovan Stefanovski-Žan and Blagoja Brangolica, designed the cross using a steel lattice structure. This design was chosen not only for its modern aesthetic but also to withstand the high mountain winds and seismic activity (Skopje is prone to earthquakes). It resembles the structural engineering style of the Eiffel Tower.
It is a Hub for Hikers and Paragliders
While tourists take the cable car, locals love to hike to the cross. There are several marked trails ranging from easy walks to steep, challenging climbs. Additionally, the flat area around the cross is a popular launching pad for paragliders, who glide down into the Skopje valley.
It Has Sparked Local Controversy
While it is a source of pride for many, the cross has also been a subject of political and ethnic controversy. Roughly a quarter of North Macedonia’s population is ethnic Albanian (mostly Muslim). Some critics argued that using public funds to build a massive Christian symbol in a multi-confessional country was exclusionary. In response, a massive double-headed Albanian eagle monument and several large mosques were later built in other parts of the Skopje region.
A Time Capsule is Buried Beneath It
During the foundation-laying ceremony in 2002, a time capsule was buried beneath the monument. It contains a charter detailing the reasons for its construction, along with messages of peace and hope for future generations of Macedonians.
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