Following a devastating earthquake in 1963, more than 80 countries, under the auspices of the United Nations, supported and contributed to the rebuilding of Skopje. In an era of great political polarization, Skopje’s renewal became a beacon of cooperation and solidarity, and resulted in one of modernism greatest achievements.

As this map presents, a handful of modest examples of pre-WW2 modernist architecture survived the earthquake. Following the war, a more intense urban modernization process emerged based on the principles of the CIAM and the Athens Charter, and architecture in the International Style. From these roots sprung forth a post-earthquake period resulting in one of the world’s most powerful presentations of modernist architecture.

The result is an exceptional collection of architectural buildings, and one of the world’s most intriguing urban spaces.