Ancient, mysterious Macedonia … there are legends about the country, whose sights are very rich. And how could it be otherwise, because this republic originates in the 9th century BC. Maybe that's why Macedonia attracts a large number of tourists. Surprisingly, there is no access to the sea, where you can soak up the shore and at the same time visit the antiquities, just like tourists do in neighboring Greece or Bulgaria. However, people come here to visit the ancient heritage of mankind, to enjoy the beautiful mountain landscapes. The country also accepts lovers of skiing: the resort town of Mavrovo is just for those who prefer snowy slopes and mountains. Let's try to tell everything about Macedonia, its sights are the subject of our article.
Macedonia: general information
On the Balkan Peninsula between Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece and Bulgaria is a small republic that attracts a large number of visitors - Macedonia. This country became sovereign relatively recently - in 1991after a referendum, it gained autonomy. However, there are units with the same name in Bulgaria and Greece, the latter resisting the creation of a new state for a long time. However, in 2011 the dispute was partially resolved and the UN took over the new country.
The relief of Macedonia is predominantly mountainous. The average height of the mountains is slightly more than 2 thousand meters. Picturesque turbulent rivers flow in the gorges, the largest of them is Vardar. Macedonia is also rich in lakes (they are also of mountainous origin). The most famous and attracting tourists is Ohrid.
The climate here is temperate continental, close to the Mediterranean. Winters are very mild and humid (a significant percentage of precipitation falls during this period), and summers are dry and hot. This dictated the timing of the tourist season, which lasts from May to September.
Sights of Skopje
Macedonia counts hundreds of centuries in its historical development. Its sights reflect this long period. The age of some of them is truly staggering. To better navigate the places worth visiting, you can divide them into groups depending on the direction and geographical location. So, for starters, let's look at those sights of Macedonia that are located in the capital, the city of Skopje.
Let's analyze the sights that are worth visiting first of all. In fact, this city is a real attraction, because there is just a huge concentration of ancient and medieval objects. Skopje is divided into twoparts, old and new. The dividing strip is also an architectural monument, a bridge of the 15th century.
It is he who is the symbol of the capital. A belief is connected with it: everyone who steps on it will certainly be happy. The main thing is to have a pure heart.
There are places that the Republic of Macedonia is rightfully proud of. Its sights belong to different eras and cultures. So, the Venetian fortress of Calais is an object that existed even before our era. Now you can admire the charming park here, as well as Skopje, which is beautifully viewed from the fortress. Concerts of world stars are also held here.
Many sights of Macedonia, covering the period of the Middle Ages. An example of this is the 40-meter Saat-Kula clock tower, built in 1566, towering over Skopje. Yes, it is completely unsightly in appearance, but it is the largest in the country, and maybe in all the Balkans.
Ottoman times Skopje
The unique building was given over to the national gallery. Here, during the Ottoman Empire, the Daud Pasha Turkish baths were located. The huge concentration of the country's artistic heritage and the rich Turkish surroundings give this place a special splendor and solemnity. By the way, the building is located in close proximity to the Old Market (right at the entrance to it), also left over from the Ottoman Empire. This market is the only oriental bazaar in the Balkans.
From the Old Market, the gaze involuntarily falls on the mosque.
It was built in honor of Mustafa Pasha, the governor of Skopje during the Ottoman Empire, a very religious person. This is the most striking monument of Muslim architecture of the Middle Ages. A mosque was built on the foundation of a Christian church.
What to visit in Ohrid city?
Another city full of historical monuments is Ohrid. The most beautiful landscapes open here, because it is located on the shores of the magnificent Ohrid Lake, which the Republic of Macedonia is so famous for. Tourists begin to consider sights only after they enjoy the waters of the lake.
Every guest of Ohrid must visit the fortress of King Samuil here.
By the way, it is the highest point from which the city is visible at a glance. Samuil is a Bulgarian ruler of the 10th century who wished to make Ohrid the capital of his kingdom. Local authorities carefully monitor the preservation of the monument, so it has reached the present in excellent condition.
Not far from the fortress there is another sightseeing object - an ancient amphitheater. According to scientists, the amphitheater was built in the two hundred years BC, and not by the Romans, but by the ancient Greeks. The structure is so well preserved that it is still functioning: concerts, music festivals and other cultural events are held on its territory.
What else is Macedonia famous for? Attractions are not limited to land, there are also water objects. One ofsuch - the museum "Wooden Island". It is located on the water of Lake Ohrid. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that fishermen lived here about three thousand years ago in the summer. It was a fishing island flooring made of boards on which houses were built. A bridge led to the mainland. The settlement has not survived to this day, it was discovered in 1997 under water and recreated.
Religious sites
Macedonia is famous not only for secular monuments of architecture. Its sights are also Christian shrines. So, pilgrims and ordinary tourists without fail visit the monastery of St. Naum. This place is far from the bustle of the city, 30 kilometers from Ohrid. Saint Naum, who gave the name to the monastery, is a student of the famous educators Cyril and Methodius. His body is buried here, on the territory of the monastery. The burial place is associated with a legend that a pilgrim who puts his left ear to the saint's grave will hear his heartbeat.
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is another place that attracts pilgrims to the Republic of Macedonia. The sights of Ohrid (that is where the church is located) are amazing. The temple is the most ancient relic of Macedonia, the pinnacle of Byzantine art. Frescoes and icons inlaid with precious stones have been preserved here since the Middle Ages. The most famous is the Mother of God, which is a copy of the one in Constantinople.
Another Ohrid shrine is the Church of St. John Kaneo, standing on the shore of Lake Ohrid, towering over it.
Complete stone structure has a cruciform shape, built in the XV century. There are no shrines that attract pilgrims, but the very location of the temple, its frescoes and icons preserved from the 15th century are especially impressive for tourists.
Sights created by nature
Macedonia, whose sights can be listed for a long time, is also a country with a diverse nature. Such natural monuments attract visitors to the country. Let's list just a few. In addition to Lake Ohrid, it is worth visiting Lake Prespa, a reservoir that Macedonia shares with Albania and Greece. Here is the island of Golem Grad, where the ruins of an ancient monastery are located. It is also worth paying attention to the Matka and Doyran lakes.
There are two national parks on the territory of the republic, where all the beauties of the nature of Macedonia are concentrated: Galicia and Pelister.
