Today, Macedonia, where you can easily get from anywhere in the world, remains the least visited by tourists European country. The sights of Macedonia are fraught with the grandeur of historical monuments, the color of tiny villages, the beauty of the nature of mountains and forests - all this still remains an undisclosed secret behind seven castles. Visiting the republic, you will not only feel like a pioneer of all the mysteries and beauties of this country, but you will also witness a unique phenomenon of mixing representatives of various cultures and peoples: Turks, Greeks, Albanians, Orthodox and Catholics. If you have not decided what to see in Macedonia, then first identify the areas of culture and life of the country that are of interest to you, as the rating below will help.
What to see in Macedonia first?
To make the most complete and exhaustive list of attractions that you should pay attention to when going on a tourist trip, talking about what to visit in Macedonia, we studied the recommendations of experienced guides and prepared a rating of the top 23 attractions of the country:
1. Lake Ohrid
The deepest and oldest lake in the Balkans, Ohrid, was formed as a result of a tectonic fault in the earth's crust as much as 5 million years ago, despite the fact that the average age of all fresh water bodies on the planet does not exceed 100 years. A natural attraction is also unique in that it is located overnight in Macedonia and Albania. On the lake are the most fashionable hotels in Macedonia, where you can relax while enjoying the magnificent view from the window.
2. Klauschik
Tourists have long been fond of the east coast of Lake Ohrid for the pearl of ancient culture - an archaeological site called Plaoshnik. The place is famous for the church of St. Panteleimon, which was restored exactly like the prototype of ancient drawings, as well as the ancient building of the first university of the ancient Slavs. If you have planned to visit Lake Ohrid, then do not be lazy to review the east coast: here you will find a lot of interesting places that will tell about the history of the state.
3. Stone bridge in Skopje
Trains to any country cannot do without visiting its capital. The city of Skopje is located on two banks of Vardar, 9 bridges were built across the river in the Middle Ages. The central place is reserved for the Stone Bridge. This 16 meter high structure consists of monolithic stone blocks, each weighing 15 tons.
4. Skopje Fortress
Traveling to the capital of the republic cannot do without visiting Skopje or Kale fortress - its second name. The first settlements of the southern Slavs were discovered exactly at the site of the construction of the fortress back in the 4th century BC, then in the 6th century the fortress was destroyed during the war with Turkey and then restored again during the Byzantine Empire. The best Skopje hotels are also located near the fortress, so you have the opportunity to comfortably stay close to the sights in order to devote several days of excursion.
Official website: http://www.skopje.gov.mk
5. Stone Town Kuklitsa
Sightseeing in Macedonia is impossible for travelers without the stone city of Kuklica. This is a natural wonder - blocks of stone in the north of the state, which have been eroded for centuries. As a result, the stones became like fancy dolls, for which the valley got its name.
6. Millennium Cross in Skopje
If you are interested in what to see in Macedonia from architectural monuments, then we strongly recommend paying attention to the Millennium Cross, which is located in the capital, Skopje. This building is really grand! The height of the cross is as much as 66 meters, it is the largest architectural monument of the Orthodox cross in the world. The Millennium Cross was built in Skopje in 2002 in honor of the celebration of the millennium since the adoption of the Christian religion by the people of the Republic.
7. Museum on the water "Bay on the bones"
Looking for interesting places? Think what to visit in Macedonia? It is recommended to look at the Bay of Bones. This open-air museum is also located on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid, so you can include it in a comprehensive overview of Ohrid. In 2007, during another archaeological research at the bottom of Lake Ohrid, the remains of an ancient Slavic settlement were discovered, which can be seen in the photo of the results of the dive. It was decided to restore the village by creating a unique museum on the water. And the complex got its name because of the many bones of livestock that were discovered on the excavation site.
8. Antique Amphitheater of Ohrid
Strolling through the center of Ohrid, be sure to look into the ancient amphitheater. This architectural monument is famous for the fact that, unlike other architectural structures, it is a monument of Greek (Hellenic), and not Roman culture. The amphitheater was built as early as two hundred years BC, but nevertheless, it was perfectly preserved without restoration, and today it hosts magical and romantic musical evenings for connoisseurs of ancient music and poetry.
9. National Park Galichitsa
As you can see, the sights of Macedonia are famous not only for historical monuments but also for picturesque corners of nature. The park is a stunningly picturesque valley and Mount Galichitsa, located between Ohrid and Pressky lakes. The top of the mountain - Magaro, rises as much as 2 km above sea level so that from it all Ohrid is visible in full view. A trip to the national park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts: here you can ride bicycles, go hiking in the mountains or enjoy rowing in the clear waters of Lake Ohrid.
10. Heraclea Linkestis
Guides in Macedonia advise all lovers of ancient culture to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Heracles. The city was founded in the distant IV century BC. Philip of Macedon - ruler of the Roman Empire, father of Alexander the Great in honor of the victory over the Turks. The city received the name of its patron, the ancient Greek hero Hercules. The greatest value of the surviving ruins is the ancient basilica - the floors of fine mosaic tiles, which have not lost their colors to this day.
11. Monastery of St. Naum
Are you interested in what to see in Macedonia in 1 day in order to feel the atmosphere of the Orthodox religion? In this case, do not disregard the monastery of St. Naum. The shrine is located on the shores of the famous Ohrid Lake, at a distance of 30 km from the center of Ohrid. The monastery was founded by one of the disciples of Cyril and Methodius - Naum of Ohrid around the 9th century A.D. Subsequently, the relics of St. Naum were buried in the monastery.
12. The fortress of King Samuel
Reviews of enthusiastic travelers unanimously advise tourists planning excursions in Macedonia to visit the fortress of Tsar Samuel. This oldest fortification is the pearl of the city of Ohrid. The length of the fortress is as much as 3 km of stone wall with a height of 16 meters and a thickness of about 2 meters. The fortress was founded by Bulgarian king Samuel in the 4th century for defensive purposes during the war with the Turks and managed to save the city from the invaders, surviving to this day almost in its original form.
13. Lake Prespa
Interesting places for walking never cease to amaze, and next in line is Lake Prespa, the second largest lake in the state. The natural object is unique in that it simultaneously belongs to three Balkan countries at once. It is separated from Lake Ohrid by the mountain range on which the Galichitsa National Park, which we mentioned above, is located. By its origin, Prespa is also a tectonic lake with a long history.
14. Kokino
The sights of Macedonia cannot be imagined without paying due attention to the monuments of science of Hellenic culture. Kokino is a famous ancient observatory dating from about three and a half thousand years ago. The design of the observatory is made of metal and has its roots in the distant Iron Age. The remains of stone blocks with incisions made on them survived to our days, with the help of which ancient astrologers observed the movement of the sun, moon and stars.
15. Memorial House of Mother Teresa
A trip to the capital of the Republic of Skopje must certainly result in a visit to the Memorial House of Mother Teresa. This open-air museum shows us the life of Saint Agnes from birth to her death. The attraction exists as a non-profit organization and is maintained at the expense of the state. Earlier on the site of the museum was the temple of the "Sacred Heart of Jesus."
16. Monument "Warrior on a horse"
Connoisseurs of military sculpture who visited the old part of Skopje will certainly turn their attention to the bronze statue of Alexander the Great, which is located right in the middle of the central square near the Stone Bridge. This majestic statue is designed to demonstrate all the power and authority of the ruler of the Roman Empire.
17. Uterus Canyon
The famous canyon near Skopje is rightfully included in the ranking of the best attractions of Macedonia. This real natural miracle was formed millions of years ago under the influence of the waters of the Tresca River, which paved the way between the Vodno mountain range. Tourists who visited the canyon can enjoy boating and canoeing in its expanses, admiring the marble outcrops of ancient rocks, as well as visiting many Orthodox churches and monasteries.
Official website: http: //www.canyonmatka
18. The Mustafa Pasha Mosque
If you have not yet decided where to go to Skopje in Macedonia, we recommend you to plunge into the world of Islamic culture and visit the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, located right in the center of the capital. The shrine was built about five centuries ago by the Islamic commander Mustafa, who owned several villages near Skopje. Pasha was known not only as a talented warrior, but also as a generous philanthropist and urban figure, building schools and hospitals for the local population.
Official website: http://www.skopje.gov.mk
Sights of Macedonia: what else to visit in Macedonia?
Now you have an idea of the most recommended sights for tourists and guests. But in addition to the most famous memos, I would like to consider some more interesting places in order to broaden my horizons and diversify your leisure time:
19. Temple of St. John Kaneo
Among all religious attractions, it is necessary to highlight the Church of St. John, which is located in the heart of Skopje. The shrine dates from the 15th century A.D. But the peculiarity of the temple is that it was erected on a steep rock directly above Lake Ohrid in the shape of an Orthodox cross. In addition, the structure is a combination of two style architectural directions: Armenian and Byzantine.
20. Osogovsky Monastery
The temple was founded in the XIV century A.D. Orthodox monk Fedor during the reign of Manuel Komnin. The building of the church is located in the valley of the Osogovsky Mountains, in the eastern part of Skopje. The sights of Macedonia cannot be imagined in all its glory without a visit to this temple since its architecture is the clearest example of Byzantine traditions and the building itself has perfectly preserved its beauty to this day.
21. Ancient aqueduct of Vizbegovo
Well, how can you do without aqueducts when it comes to Byzantine culture? Numerous recommendations from tourists unanimously advise to visit a village in the north of Skopje called Vizbegovo and admire the ancient water supply structure - the aqueduct. Only 50 of its arches 16 meters high have survived to this day. Once this building supplied fresh water to the whole city of Skopje. Today, active work is underway to restore the aqueduct, the city authorities plan to bring the construction in its original form.
22. National Park Pelister
It is impossible to say with confidence that you have seen all the best attractions without visiting Bitola National Park - Pelister. This natural memorial covers an area of about 12.5 thousand hectares. Here you will find not only the beauty of virgin forests but also admire the famous Pelister Lakes, which are popularly called "eyes" for their crystal clearness. And you can also test yourself as a conqueror of peaks by climbing Pelister Peak, whose height is just over 2.5 km. It offers a wonderful view of Skopje, and the most persistent and hardy tourists, having come up the mountain before dawn, can capture the magnificent sunrise over the Pelister Mountains in memory.
Official website: http://park-pelister.com/en/
23. Hagia Sophia in Ohrid
And finally, we complete our virtual journey and a description of the main attractions of the state, looking into the church of St. Sophia. This ancient architectural monument dates back to the period of medieval culture, but is unique in that it was completely transformed into an Islamic mosque during the invasion of the Turks. At the top of the highest dome of the church is now a minaret. But if you go inside the temple, you can admire the true beauties of Byzantine painting, exposing the faces of the patron saints of the church.
Visiting the Republic and its capital Skopje, you get a great opportunity not only to spend time informatively visiting historical, cultural, scientific and architectural monuments, but also to relax your soul and get enough of the energy of nature in numerous lake parks and virgin Balkan forests.
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