Republic of Macedonia: attractions, descriptions and interesting facts

Ancient, mysterious Macedonia ... about a country whose sights are very rich, there are legends. And how can it be otherwise, because this republic originates in the IX 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 on the shore and at the same time visit the antiquities - as tourists from the neighboring Greece or Bulgaria do. However, people come here to visit the most ancient heritage of mankind, to enjoy the beautiful mountain landscapes. The country and fans of mountain skiing: the resort town of Mavrovo is just for those who prefer snow 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, attracting a large number of visitors - Macedonia. This country became sovereign relatively recently - in 1991 after the referendum it gained autonomy. However, parts with the same name exist both in Bulgaria and in Greece, the latter being long opposed to 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 mainly mountainous. The average height of the mountains is just over 2 thousand meters. In the gorges there are picturesque stormy rivers, the largest of them Vardar. Macedonia is rich and lakes (they are also of mountain origin). The most famous and attractive tourist destination is Ohrid.

The climate here is moderately continental, close to the Mediterranean. Winters are very mild and wet (a significant percentage of precipitation falls during this period), and the summer is arid and hot. This dictates the terms of the tourist season, which lasts from May to September.

Attractions Skopje

For hundreds of centuries, Macedonia has in its historical development. Its 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 direction and geographical location. So, first, let's look at those attractions of Macedonia, which are in the capital, the city of Skopje.

We will analyze those sights that are worth visiting first of all. In fact, this city - a real attraction, because here is simply a huge focus of ancient and medieval objects. Skopje is divided into two parts, old and new. The boundary line is also a monument of architecture, a bridge of the XV century. It is he who is the symbol of the capital. It is connected with the belief: 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 are related to different epochs and cultures. Thus, the Venetian fortress of Calais is an object that existed before our era. Now you can admire the charming park, as well as Skopje, which is perfectly seen from the fortress. Here, concerts of world-famous stars are held.

Numerous attractions of Macedonia, covering the period of the Middle Ages. An example of this is the towering 40-meter clock tower of Saat-Kula, built in 1566, towering above Skopje. Yes, it is completely unattractive in appearance, but it is the largest in the country, and maybe even in all the Balkans.

Skopje of the Ottoman Empire

The unique building is given under the national gallery. Here in the time of the Ottoman Empire were the Turkish baths Daud Pasha. The huge concentration of the artistic heritage of the country and the rich Turkish entourage give this place a special splendor and solemnity. By the way, the building is in close proximity to the Old Market (right at the entrance to it), also left from the Ottoman Empire. This market is the only bazaar in the Balkans.

From the Old Market look involuntarily falls on the mosque. It is built in honor of Mustafa Pasha, the governor of Skopje of the Ottoman Empire, a very religious man. 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 the city of Ohrid?

Another city full of historical monuments is Ohrid. Here you can see the most beautiful landscapes, because it is located on the shores of the magnificent Ohrid lake, which is so famous for the Republic of Macedonia. Sightseeing tourists begin to consider only after they enjoy the waters of the lake.

Every guest of Ohrid is sure to visit here the fortress of King Samuel. By the way, it is the highest point with which the city is visible, as in the palm of your hand. 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 up to the present day it came in excellent condition.

Not far from the fortress is another sightseeing facility - an ancient amphitheater. According to the calculations of scientists, the amphitheater was built in the 200th years BC, and not by the Romans, but by the ancient Greeks. The structure 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? Sights are not limited to land, there are water objects. One of them is the "Wooden Island" museum. It is located on the water of Ohrid Lake. Its uniqueness is that fishermen lived here about three thousand years ago in the summer. It was a fishing island planking of planks on which houses were built. The bridge led to the mainland. The settlement did not survive until our days, it was discovered in 1997 under the water and recreated.

Religious sites

Macedonia is famous not only for secular monuments of architecture. Its sights are also Christian shrines. Thus, pilgrims and ordinary tourists necessarily visit the monastery of St. Naum. This place is far from the city bustle, 30 kilometers from Ohrid. Saint Naum, who gave the name to the monastery, is a pupil of the famous Enlighteners Cyril and Methodius. His body is buried here, on the territory of the monastery. A legend is associated with the burial place that a pilgrim who has applied his left ear to the grave of a saint will hear the sound of his heart.

The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is another place that attracts pilgrims from the Republic of Macedonia. Places of interest in Ohrid (where the church is located) are amazing. The temple is the most ancient relic of Macedonia, the pinnacle of Byzantine art. Here, from the Middle Ages, frescoes and icons, encrusted with precious stones, have been preserved. The most famous is the Mother of God, which is a copy of the one that is in Constantinople.

Another Ohrid shrine - the temple of St. John Kaneo, standing on the shore of Ohrid Lake, towering above it. Completely stone structure has a cross-shaped 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 XV century are especially impressive for tourists.

Sights created by nature

Macedonia, whose attractions can be listed for a long time, is also a country with a diverse nature. Such natural monuments attract the guests of the country. We list only a few. In addition to Lake Ohrid, you should visit 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. Still worth paying attention to the lakes Matka and Doiranskoe.

There are two national parks on the territory of the republic, where all the beauties of Macedonia are concentrated: Galicica and Pelister.