Porta Macedonia
| Porta Macedonia | ||
|---|---|---|
 Porta Macedonia 2014 |
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| Data | ||
| place | Skopje | |
| Architectural style | Neoclassicism | |
| Construction year | 2011–2012 | |
| building-costs | € 4.4 million | |
| height | 21 m | |
| Coordinates | 41 ° 59 ′ 40 " N , 21 ° 25 ′ 56" E | |
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Porta Macedonia is a triumphal arch in the north Macedonian capital Skopje . It was built as part of the Skopje urban development program in 2014 and completed in January 2012.
background
Porta Macedonia is one of numerous construction projects that were implemented in the capital during the Skopje 2014 project. The aim is to promote a national identity that can also be found in the cityscape of Skopje. In addition, on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the independent state of Macedonia, the triumphal arch is intended to highlight the strength and great history of the country.
Building
The triumphal arch was built in the neoclassical style , one of the models was the triumphal arch in Paris . With a height of 21 meters, the Porta Macedonia is only half as high as the French original. The reliefs on the marble arch show famous scenes and people from Macedonian history. There is a souvenir shop and café within the arch . The above terrace can also be entered. Architecturally, the triumphal arch should correspond to the large equestrian statue of Alexander the Great in the immediate vicinity.
criticism
As with the entire project, Porta Macedonia is facing severe criticism from the population. The high and in some cases significantly increasing costs of the construction work caused anger among the population, as they were perceived as waste, especially as more pressing problems existed in North Macedonia with high unemployment and widespread poverty. The construction costs for the Porta Macedonia amounted to € 4.4 million . As a result of this criticism, the triumphal arch became a symbol of the much criticized policy of the former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and was repeatedly the scene of demonstrations and protests, even after Gruevski's resignation in early 2016.
The building was also criticized by neighboring Greece against the background of the tense relationship between the two countries due to the dispute over the name Macedonia . The reason for the protest was, among other things, the central role of Alexander the Great, who is also claimed by Greece as a national hero.
Individual evidence
- ↑ itinari: Visit Porta Macedonia. November 22, 2017, accessed October 6, 2019 .
- ↑ JayWay Travel Inc: The Most Interesting monument in Skopje. February 3, 2018, Retrieved October 6, 2019 (American English).
- ↑ Guy De Launey: The makeover that's divided a nation . August 30, 2014 ( bbc.com [accessed October 6, 2019]).
- ^ Macedonian Arch May Be Wedding Scene. In: Balkan Insight. January 11, 2012, Retrieved October 6, 2019 (American English).
- ↑ www 20minuten ch, 20minutes, 20min.ch: Macedonia treats itself to a triumphal arch. Retrieved October 6, 2019 .
- ^ Deutsche Welle (www.dw.com): Macedonia: 'Colorful Revolution' paints raucous rainbow | DW | 04/21/2016. Retrieved October 6, 2019 (UK English).
- ↑ Athens complains about Skopje arch | Kathimerini. Retrieved October 6, 2019 .