In the past, the river was navigable and clean, with “gemii” (rafts and boats) sailing along the waters of Vardar. The first Chancellor of United Germany, Otto von Bismarck, said 130 years ago: "The one who controls the valley of Vardar, will be the master of the Balkans". The city beaches, located by the river banks, were legendary. You can always hear stories from older people how they spent summer days on some of the city beaches. Today's situation with the city beaches is different. They still exist, although they were rebuilt several years ago, through the project "Skopje 2014". The only thing missing is bathing in it.