Stobi Archaeological Site

Address: Stobi Archaeological Park, near Gradsko, North Macedonia

Website: https://www.manuelstobi.mk

Hours: Apr-Oct 8:00am-7:00pm (longer in summer), Nov-Mar shorter hours - check local signage

Admission: MKD 100-150 (approx.) for adults - varies; check local museum/park office

Stobi is an archaeological site in Gradsko Municipality in central North Macedonia, located at the confluence of the Crna and Vardar rivers. It is a major ancient urban site in the region, with remains spanning Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine periods.

The excavated area includes public and domestic architecture, large mosaic floors and tombs. Notable visible features include a Roman theatre, multiple early Christian basilicas with surviving mosaic pavements, and extensive street and house remains. The on-site museum displays many of the finds recovered during excavations.

Stobi developed from a Hellenistic/Paeonian settlement into a significant Roman and later Byzantine town; it flourished in the Roman era and remained occupied through the early Byzantine period. The city declined and was largely abandoned after the 7th century AD during the period of Slavic and Avar incursions.

The ruins lie close to the village of Gradsko, roughly southeast of Skopje by road (approximately a one-hour to 90-minute drive). The site is set on low river plains and is accessible from the main regional roads that connect Veles, Gradsko and other towns.

• Location advantage: The site sits at the confluence of the Crna (Erigon) and Vardar (Axios) rivers, making it archaeologically significant for trade and river routes in antiquity.
• Mosaic highlights: Many of the best-preserved elements are the mosaic floors in the churches and houses; the main basilica mosaics are a focal point of most visits.

What to See#

• Roman theatre: A Roman-era theatre and surrounding ruins that illustrate the city’s public architecture and seating terraces from the Roman period.
• Episcopal basilicas and mosaics: An early Christian episcopal complex with several basilicas notable for extensive mosaic floors and tombs dated to the 4th-6th centuries AD.
• Archaeological museum: A small on-site archaeological museum that displays finds from excavations, including stone inscriptions, pottery and fragments of the site’s mosaics.

From Skopje or Ohrid, regional buses run to Gradsko; from Gradsko the archaeological site is a short taxi ride (10-15 minutes). From Gevgelija or Veles there are also local connections. Driving: follow signs to Gradsko and then to the Stobi archaeological park; there’s parking at the site.

• Allow time for the mosaics: the Roman-era floors are the site's highlight and fragile-approach quietly and don't touch.
• Wear sun protection and sturdy shoes; much of the site is open and has uneven paths.
• Hire a local guide at the entrance for 30-60 minutes to unlock the site's layered history - the small on-site museum ties the finds together well.