Ancient, mysterious Macedonia … about the country, whose sights are very rich, legends go. But how could it be otherwise, because this republic originates in the 9th century BC. Maybe that is 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 antiquities, as tourists from neighboring Greece or Bulgaria do. However, people come here to visit the oldest heritage of mankind, enjoy the beautiful mountain landscapes. The country also accepts ski lovers: 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 there is a small republic that attracts a large number of visitors - Macedonia. This country has become sovereign relatively recently - in 1991, after a referendum, it gained autonomy. However, there are parts with the same name in Bulgaria and Greece, and the latter has long opposed the creation of a new state. However, in 2011 the dispute was partially resolved, and the UN adopted a new country.
The relief of Macedonia is predominantly mountainous. The average height of the mountains is slightly more than 2 thousand meters. Picturesque stormy rivers flow in the gorges, the largest of which is Vardar. Macedonia is also rich in lakes (they are also of mountain origin). The most famous and attractive tourist destination 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 dictates the timing of the tourist season, which lasts from May to September.
Attractions Skopje
For many hundreds of centuries, Macedonia has counted in its historical development. Her sights reflect this long period. The age of some of them is truly staggering. To better navigate in places that are worth visiting, you can divide them into groups depending on the orientation and geographical location. So, for a start we will consider those sights of Macedonia which are in the capital, the city of Skopje.
We will analyze those attractions that are worth visiting first of all. In fact, this city is a real attraction, because here is just a huge concentration of antique and medieval objects. Skopje is divided into two parts, the old and the new. The dividing line is also a monument of architecture, a bridge of the 15th century.
It is he who is the symbol of the capital. A belief is connected with him: everyone who sets foot on him will certainly be happy. The main thing is to have a pure heart.
There are places that the Republic of Macedonia is rightly proud of. Her 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, as well as Skopje, which is beautifully seen from the fortress. Concerts of world stars are arranged here.
Numerous sights of Macedonia, covering the period of the Middle Ages. An example of this is the 40-meter-high clock tower of Saat Kula, towering over Skopje, built in 1566. Yes, it is completely unsightly in appearance, but it is the largest in the country, and maybe in all the Balkans.
Skopje from the Ottoman Empire
The unique building is given to the national gallery. Here, during the Ottoman Empire, there were Turkish baths Daud Pasha. 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 eastern bazaar preserved in the Balkans.
From the Old Market, a look involuntarily falls on a 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 from the Middle Ages. A mosque is built on the foundation of a Christian temple.
What to visit in Ohrid?
Another city saturated with historical monuments is Ohrid. It offers beautiful landscapes, because it is located on the shores of the magnificent Lake Ohrid, which the Republic of Macedonia is so famous for. Sightseeing tourists begin to consider only after enjoying the waters of the lake.
Each guest of Ohrid must visit the fortress of King Samuel here.
By the way, it is the highest point from which the city is visible at a glance. Samuel 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 come to modernity in excellent condition.
Not far from the fortress is another sightseeing object - the ancient amphitheater. According to scientists, the amphitheater was built in two hundred years BC, and not by the Romans, but by the ancient Greeks. The construction is so well preserved that it still functions: 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 water features. One of these is the Wooden Island Museum. It is located on the water of Lake Ohrid. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that fishermen lived here in the summer about three thousand years ago. It was a fishing island flooring from the boards on which the houses were built. A bridge led to the mainland. The settlement has not survived to the present day; it was discovered in 1997 under water and recreated.
Religious sites
Not only secular monuments of architecture is famous for Macedonia. Her sights are Christian shrines. So, pilgrims and ordinary tourists without fail visit the monastery of St. Naum. This place is located far from the bustle of the city, 30 kilometers from Ohrid. Saint Nahum, who gave the name to the monastery, is a student of the famous enlighteners Cyril and Methodius. His body is buried here, on the territory of the monastery. A legend is connected with the burial place that a pilgrim who put his left ear to the saint’s grave will hear the beat of his heart.
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is another place that attracts pilgrims to the Republic of Macedonia. The sights of Ohrid (the church is located there) are amazing. The temple is the oldest relic of Macedonia, the pinnacle of Byzantine art. Here, from the time of the Middle Ages, frescoes and icons inlaid with precious stones have been preserved. 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 above it.
The completely stone structure has a cruciform shape, built in the 15th century. There are no shrines that attract pilgrims, but the very location of the temple, its frescoes and icons preserved from the 15th century, especially impress tourists.
