Top 23 attractions in Macedonia, North Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia is a small Balkan state located in the southeast of Europe. Extraordinarily beautiful nature, many archaeological sites, beautiful lakes - Macedonia is ready to give all this to its guests. Local cuisine and service are deservedly highly rated by tourists.

Macedonia carefully guards its natural resources. The unique Ohrid Lake has been preserved in its original form. The extraordinarily beautiful national parks of Galicia, Mavrovo and Pelister are equipped for hiking and cycling. Fans of historical sites appreciate Macedonia for its many medieval and ancient architectural monuments. Such well-known cities as Skopje, Ohrid and Bitola are the best suited for urban tourism.

Ohrid pearls are usually brought from Macedonia - a unique product that has no analogues in the world. Lovers of practical gifts will appreciate high-quality shoes, which Macedonia has been famous for for decades. As souvenirs, tourists prefer to bring Macedonian national embroidery, icons or local wine.

What to see in Macedonia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Ohrid Lake

Lake Ohrid is one of the most famous attractions in Macedonia. This ancient Balkan reservoir is under the protection of UNESCO. Tourists here expect clean beaches, many comfortable hotels, as well as everything you need for sailing.

Stone bridge in Skopje

The stone bridge across the Vardar River is a real symbol of the city of Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. This ancient bridge was founded during the Roman Empire. Today it is not only a beautiful architectural monument, but also an important transport artery connecting Old and New Skopje. According to legend, good luck will accompany everyone who crosses the Stone Bridge with light thoughts and a pure heart.

Plaoshnik

Palaosnik is located in an amazingly beautiful wooded area near Lake Ohrid and Samuil's Stronghold. This tourist center has gained its popularity thanks to the well-restored archaeological finds, in particular the church of St. Panteleimon. It was erected on the site of a temple built in 893 in honor of St. Clement.

Fortress of Skopje

The national pride of the capital of Macedonia is the ancient fortress called Kale, the foundations of which date back to the 1st century AD. Stone fortress walls, paved paths, a well-maintained park - Calais has everything you need for a wonderful holiday. You can get to the fortress on foot, moving from Macedonia Square.

Stone town Kuklica

One of the most popular places in North Macedonia is the stone town of Kuklica, which is also called the Valley of the Dolls. This is a unique natural landscape, which consists of more than 120 naturally formed stone pillars, which in their shape resemble human figures. Many legends are associated with the Valley of the Dolls, explaining this amazing natural phenomenon.

Museum on the water "Bay on the bones"

On Lake Ohrid there is a unique archaeological complex - "The Bay on the Bones". This museum, created in the form of floating houses, imitates the ancient village of fishermen as much as possible. There is an archaeological museum and an equipped campsite for those wishing to stay longer in the "Bay on the bones".

Millennium Cross in Skopje

The Millennium Cross was erected in 2002 and is the highest cross in the world. This building was built in honor of 2000 years of Christianity in the lands of Macedonia. The cross is located on a mountain, its height is 66 meters, thanks to which this monument can be observed from almost anywhere in Skopje. The Millennium Cross looks especially impressive in night illumination.

Antique amphitheater Ohrid

In the heart of the city of Ohrid, there is a perfectly preserved ancient amphitheater, the construction of which dates back to 200 BC. Despite its impressive age, this building is still used for its intended purpose. Musical evenings, festivals, and theatrical performances are held here.

Galicia National Park

Galicica National Park is located in the southwest of Macedonia. Many unique plants grow here, and bears, deer and wolves live in the forests. For visitors to Galicia, hiking trips are regularly held, and lovers of cycling will be pleasantly surprised by the equipped bike paths. You can also take a sightseeing paragliding flight here.

Heraclea Lyncestis

The city of Bitola, located in the southwest of Macedonia, is famous for its unique archaeological finds. So, the ruins of Heraclea Linkestis, an ancient ancient city, were discovered here. This settlement dates back to the 5th-4th centuries BC. There is a well-preserved amphitheater, several ancient walls, as well as beautiful floor mosaics.

Monastery of Saint Naum

The Monastery of St. Naum is one of the oldest churches in the country. It is located 30 kilometers from Ohrid in a quiet area on the lake. The iconostasis, internal walls and ceiling of the monastery amaze the imagination with the splendor of their decoration. The monks of this monastery traditionally treat their guests with national dishes and wonderful wine of their own production.

Fortress of King Samuil

The fortress of Tsar Samuil, which was built by the Bulgarian ruler to protect his possessions, begins its history from the 10th century AD. The foundations and walls of ancient defensive structures have survived to this day. The best way to get to the fortress is by a special sightseeing bus.

Lake Prespa

The age of the extraordinarily beautiful Lake Prespa is more than 5 million years old. The only island in Macedonia, Golem Grad, is located in this reservoir, on the territory of which there are the ruins of the ancient monastery of St. Peter. To enjoy the views of the lake or visit the ruins of the temple, you should use the boat rental in the neighboring villages of Konsko or Stenie.

Mother Teresa Memorial House

The House Museum of Mother Teresa is located on the very spot where the Catholic church used to be located, in which the future saint was baptized. The house-museum has several exhibitions about the life of Mother Teresa, containing documents, photographs and personal belongings of this holy woman. There is also a functioning chapel, and the square in front of the building is decorated with a monument.

Kokino

The unique archaeological monument of Kokino, which, according to research, is more than 3800 years old, is located on the Tatichev Kamen hill. This building is an ancient observatory made of stone slabs. The radius of Kokino is 100 meters; experts attribute many archaeological finds to the Bronze Age.

Monument "Warrior on horseback"

The central square of the capital of Macedonia, the city of Skopje, is crowned with a sculpture in the form of a horseman with a sword. This monument was called "Warrior on horseback" and it is believed that this building commemorates Alexander the Great. The opening of the "Warrior on a Horse" was timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the independence of the Macedonian Republic.

Canyon Matka

One of the most popular tourist attractions, Matka Canyon, is located 15 kilometers from the capital. This picturesque place was created by the Treska River, which flows through the mountain range. In 1938, the river was blocked by a dam, thanks to which a beautiful mountain lake was formed. In the Matka canyon, you can also visit the Vrelo stalagmite cave.

Mosque of Mustafa Pasha

Not far from the Old Market in Skopje is the most famous Islamic attraction in Macedonia - the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which was built in the Middle Ages. Not only Muslims, but also representatives of other religions can admire the decoration of the ancient mosque.

Church of Saint John Kaneo

Not far from Lake Ohrid rises the medieval church of St. John Kaneo. The temple is made of stone, and its architecture combines Armenian and Byzantine styles. The interior of the church was made in the 15th century and has been perfectly preserved since then. In the evenings, the temple of St. John Kaneo is illuminated by illumination.

Pelister National Park

The Pelister National Park occupies a huge area of ​​more than 12,000 hectares. Among tourists, this park is valued not only for its unique nature, but also for the annual ski season. There are many comfortable hotels where visitors can stay in order to comfortably enjoy the beauties of Pelister Park.

Church of Hagia Sophia in Ohrid

The unique and inimitable Church of St. Sophia, which is located in the city of Ohrid, was built in the 11th century. Today it is one of the most revered Christian shrines, which tourists from all over the world come to visit. The rarest frescoes of the 11th-13th centuries that adorn the church of St. Sophia are forbidden to be photographed.

Ancient aqueduct Vizbegov

Not far from Skopje is the village of Vizbegovo, which has gained considerable popularity thanks to the aqueduct located on its territory. This impressive architectural structure consists of 55 arches rising 16 meters above the ground.

Osogovsky monastery

In the eastern part of Macedonia, not far from the town of Kriva Palanka, there is the monastery of St. Joachim of Osogovsky. In the XVII century the monastery was badly damaged, but then restored. Now it is a very beautiful functioning temple, located in a picturesque natural corner of Macedonia.