A Treasure in the Balkans – Macedonia
The beautiful country of Macedonia has something for every traveler. From beautiful old architecture, churches, modern statues and structures, amazing mountains, beaches and lakes to the friendliest people around. Don’t be surprised, while you visit this beautiful country, if a stranger invites you for a coffee or dinner or gives you some fresh picked vegetable.
Macedonia is a definite place to visit.
The flooded Church of Saint Nicholas, Mavrovo Lake, Macedonia.
The artificial lake, made to supply a power plant, covered parts of old villages and the Saint Nicholas Church. With different seasons the water is at different levels, however at no point is the cross underwater.
Bay of Bones or Gulf Of Bones and Water Museum
Replica of the prehistoric settlement on the water that existed here around 1200 BC which is now underwater. The original 60 houses were connected to the shore by the use of a movable bridge. Some of the original parts restored from the water were used to reconstruct this museum in 2008. This is also a Water Museum where Lake Ohrid can be seen from all sides. It truly is a beautiful site.
Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery Church
The monastery church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. According to the monastery’s 1833 chronicle, it was built in 1020 by Ivan I Debranin. The Ottomans destroyed the monastery in the 16th century. The monastery was restored in 1743 by the monk Ilarion, who also built several monk cells. Later, in the period from 1812 to 1825 the monastery was expanded by archimandrite Arsenius. Among the donors there is also a mention of a monk Iov, recognized by some researchers as the future educator Yoakim Karchovski. One of the most valuable treasures of the monastery is the iconostasis created by Petre Filipovski Garkata from the nearby village of Gari. This iconostasis is considered as the most beautiful and most valuable wood-carved iconostasis. Another valuable monastery treasure is an icon dating from 1020 with supposedly miraculous healing power. Most of the old monastery complex was burnt down in 2009, while the new sections of the complex and church were saved. Reconstruction of the old palaces begun in May 2010 with the aim to reconstruct it as authentic as possible.
The Monastery of Saint Naum (Манастир, Свети Наум)
Eastern Orthodox monastery in Macedonia, named after the medieval Saint Naum who founded it. It is situated along Lake Ohrid, 29 kilometres (18 mi) south of the city of Ohrid. The Lake Ohrid area, including St. Naum, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Macedonia.
The Skopje Aquaduct
An archaeological site located in the village of Vizbegovo 2 km northwest from Skopje, Macedonia. The aquaduct was in use until the eighteenth century. From this impressive structure of stone and brick, nowadays is remained only about 386 meters with 55 arches. It is assumed that the aquaduct took water from the spring Lavovec and brought water to city centre.
Macedonia has beautiful scenery and landscapes, this is a fresh water Swimming hole we found. A few of them can be found just outside the city Bitola on the river Dragor.
The French Cemetery in Bitola Macedonia – WWI Soldiers
German Military Cemetery from WWI in Bitola.
It is found on top of Bairo in Bitola. 3406 Soldiers were laid to rest.
The Macedonian Government has spent millions to build up Skopje the capital City of Macedonia. Not only has this increased tourism it has also created jobs and preserved Macedonia’s history.
A memorial plaque has been placed where the house was that Mother Teresa’s was born in. Mother Teresa will be declared a Saint on September 4th, 2016 at the Vatican.
Samuel’s Fortress is in Ohrid, Macedonia.
Renovated in 2003 this historical monument is a major tourist attraction. According to Macedonian archaeologists, it is said that it was built on the place of an earlier fortification, dated to 4th century B.C., which was probably built by King Phillip II of Macedon.
Lake Ohrid
One of Europe‘s deepest and oldest lakes, preserving a unique aquatic ecosystem that is of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species. It has the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. Lake Ohrid was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.
Vevčani Springs
The most famous springs found in Macedonia. The springs are located on the eastern slope of the Jablanica mountain range which run through the village of Vevčani at an approximately sea level altitude at over 900 metres. A beautiful restaurant is found by the entrance of the Vevcani Springs with authentic Macedonian food.
I like it very much. You should write more about Macedonia, tourist are welcomed anytime.