Snigdha TiwariNorth Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia is a country in the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe which is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991.
It’s a country of sacred mysteries and unique beauties that has no sea access, no worldwide known ski resorts but it has wonderful lakes, untouched mountains, great history & wealthy cultural heritage.
Now, let’s check out some of the amazing places to visit in Macedonia which is the fatherland of the Cyrillic script and of the first Slavic University in the world.
Here are the 5 Best Places To Visit In Macedonia.
1. Matka Canyon
Home to several medieval monasteries, Matka Canyon is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Macedonia located west of central Skopje, Macedonia that covers roughly 5,000 hectares is also known as nature paradise.
With its breathtaking scenery, Matka Canyon is one of the most captivating places that Macedonia has to offer.
Quite likely among the most picturesque nature sites on the European continent, it is nonetheless ignored by many but whether you stop at the canyon for an hour or stay for a week, you’ll have plenty of ways to enjoy some adventure, recreation, or just great views that are yet to be discovered by travelers from all over the world.
2. Mavrovo National Park
Founded in 1949 and located in the western-central part of the country, Mavrovo National Park is the largest of the three national parks of the Republic of Macedonia where its national park, lake, and its region are named after the village of Mavrovo.
It offers the highest mountain peaks in Macedonia that provide magnificent visual landscapes and they also prove to be the best skiing terrains in the Balkans.
It’s also home to the highest waterfall in the Balkans.
So don’t miss to visit this one of Europe’s oldest national parks that is famous for its extensive beech forests, alpine meadows, pristine rivers, and streams.
3. Church St.Jovan Kaneo
Church St.Jovan Kaneo is a Macedonian Orthodox church situated on the cliff over Kaneo Beach overlooking Lake Ohrid in the city of Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia.
It is one of the most magnificent churches in all of Macedonia that stands right above a small fishing settlement, on a cliff rising up from Lake Ohrid.
St. Jovan Kaneo is a combination of Byzantine and Armenian architectural styles. Significant to the architecture of the church is the exquisite combination of Byzantine and Armenian elements, which creates a very favorable space for examining the medieval monuments in Ohrid.
St. Kaneo is indeed one of the most beautiful churches in Macedonia as well as in the whole Balkan region because of its unique construction, so don’t miss visiting.
4. Skopje Aqueduct
An archeological site 2km from central Skopje, the village of Vizbegovo is home to one of the last remaining aqueducts on the Balkan Peninsula “The Skopje Aqueduct”.
It is 386 meters long with 55 arches, and 42 arched openings will attract anyone’s attention where the middle walls are made of stone and bricks with lime mortar.
Moreover, the columns were made with crushed stone combined with stone plates.
This mix of different stones with different colors gives this monumental construction one of a kind look, which cannot be found anywhere else.
It offers great photo opportunities and medieval ambient to immerse yourself into, the Roman aqueduct is a sight to behold.
5. Golem Grad
Golem Grad, meaning Big Citadel also known as Snake Island is an island in the Republic of Macedonia that covers an area of more than 20 hectares.
It is located in Lake Prespa, a few kilometers from Greek and Albanian territory. Golem Grad is home to several ancient ruins and churches.
At Golem Grad, apart from the preserved church of St. Peter, the attention is drawn by the medieval church dedicated to St. Demetrius, as well as the early Christian basilica from the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 5th century, where remnants of a floor mosaic have been found.
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