If you only have an hour in Skopje, this is the walk fans recommend. It links two places that matter in Toše's story and takes about as long as you want it to.
Start: Macedonia Square
Begin on Macedonia Square, the city's main square. In October 2007 it was covered with candles, flowers and messages for days after his death. The square looks very different now after years of rebuilding, but older residents still point out where the tributes were.
Along the Vardar
Walk to the river. The Vardar runs through the centre of the city, and several pedestrian bridges cross it here. You are looking for the Art Bridge — Most na umetnosta — lined on both sides with statues of Macedonian artists and musicians.
The statue
Toše's bronze statue was placed on the bridge in August 2012. It shows him with a microphone, mid-song. On 25 January and 16 October flowers and candles collect at its base. On other days it is simply part of the city — people pass, children point, tourists take photos.
While you are on the bridge, look for the statue of the painter Nikola Martinoski, another son of Kruševo. His birth house there is now a gallery — see our Martinoski page.
Optional extensions
- Head to the National Arena Toše Proeski at City Park, where he gave his last concert in 2007. Visits are possible on event days.
- With more time, visit the memorial fountain in Aerodrom.
Etiquette
The bridge is a busy public footpath. Take your photo and move on, keep candles away from the bronze, and take any wrapping with you. Our etiquette page has more.
For a longer trip combining Skopje with Kruševo and Bitola, see the memorial route.