Три малоизвестные столицы Европы: Скопье, Вадуц и Загреб

When you travel, do you prioritize capital cities on your European itinerary, or are you entranced by the character of small towns with a slower pace and sleepier streets? Even if you find yourself among the latter group, chances are you can still name the capital city of the country you’re visiting. This is especially true for well-known European metropolises like London, Paris, Rome, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Madrid, just a few world-famous destinations that frequently top travel bucket lists thanks to their must-see sites and one-of-a-kind experiences. If you’ve traveled to Europe, perhaps you’ve wandered the busy streets of a capital city or explored its neighboring towns. But can you match each European country to its capital without hesitating? How many capitals were you able to pair with their corresponding country before the clock ran out? Some are household names, while others are less traveled, yes, like the road Robert Frost wrote about. No matter your score, send this quiz to your favorite travel buddy and see how many European capitals they can match. EUROPEAN CAPITAL CITIES Most people are familiar with cities like Copenhagen, Berlin, Lisbon, and Stockholm. Maybe you even listed their countries in your head as you read that sentence, evidence of how popular they are. But what about the lesser-known European capitals that deserve a spot on your dream travel moodboard? Let’s take a closer look at three European capitals that might not be at the very top of travelers’ itineraries, but are extremely interesting and unique destinations all the same. SKOPJE Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia and one of Europe’s most wallet-friendly urban centers. This gem, located in the Balkan Peninsula, has endured a series of devastating earthquakes, the most recent in 1963, which left the city in need of reconstruction. Today, Skopje is dotted with landmarks, including the Kale Fortress, Stone Bridge, and Old Bazaar, that showcase its captivating regional history. Official Language: Macedonian Population: 593,000 Neighbors: Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo VADUZ Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein, home to just 6,100 people, making it one of the smallest capital cities in the world! Liechtenstein itself is only about 16 miles from north to south and is one of only two doubly landlocked countries on Earth, meaning even its neighbors are landlocked. Perhaps not the best addition to your list if you’re looking to take a dip in the sea. Despite its size, the country is mighty and features diverse geography, with the Alps and the Rhine River framing Vaduz. The capital is also home to Vaduz Castle, which still houses the monarchy, the Princely House, and the Red House, an impressive medieval tower painted bright red. Official Language: German Population: 6,100 Neighbors: Switzerland, Austria ZAGREB Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, a country beloved for its picturesque islands and storied past. The city wasn’t named the capital until 1991, when Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia. Today, 684,000 people call Zagreb home, praising its world-renowned museums, cathedrals, and theaters, also favorites of millions of visitors. With its stunning medieval Gothic architecture in the shadow of the Medvednica mountain range, Zagreb is a perfect place to lace up your hiking boots or test out your snow skis, according to EBSCO.