Skopje marks 82 years since liberation
Remembrance of the 13 November 1944 fighting that freed Skopje, with heavy urban battles and significant civilian and partisan losses.
Skopje marks 82 years since its liberation on 13 November 1944, when after several days of fierce street fighting units of the National Liberation forces freed the city from fascist occupation and Skopje welcomed the longed-for freedom.
Hard urban battles and a high price
The final operation to liberate the capital involved fighters from the 42nd and 50th National Liberation divisions, together with the 16th Macedonian Assault Brigade and the 3rd and 12th Macedonian Brigades. Many of the partisans were Skopje residents who knew the neighbourhoods and streets well, which helped them advance despite a light snowfall that day in November.
The fiercest fighting took place on the right bank of the Vardar River—around the Old Railway Station, the Officers' House, the National Bank, Hotel "Macedonia", and in the building of the then women's gymnasium, where combat was fought floor by floor and in classrooms.
Illegal resistance groups from Skopje also played an active role on the ground and were instrumental in preventing German forces from mining and destroying the Stone Bridge.
Freedom was paid for with a heavy price. During the occupiers' retreat, soldiers shot nine unarmed civilians on the Vardar quay, next to the Stone Bridge. In the November battles for the liberation of Skopje more than 420 partisans were killed, while around 4,600 Skopje residents lost their lives during the entirety of World War II.
Each year the City of Skopje pays tribute to the fallen fighters on this date and awards the prestigious "13 November" awards to citizens and institutions for their contribution to the city's development.
Photo: press material from the event
