To date, Macedonia, which can be easily reached from any corner of the Earth, remains the least explored European country by tourists. The sights of Macedonia conceal the greatness of historical monuments, the color of tiny villages, the beauty of the nature of mountains and forests – all this remains an unsolved mystery behind seven castles. Visiting the republic, you will not only feel like a discoverer of all the mysteries and beauties of this country, but also witness the unique phenomenon of mixing representatives of various cultures and peoples: Turks, Greeks, Albanians, Orthodox and Catholics. If you have not yet decided what to see in Macedonia, then first identify the areas of culture and life of the country that you are interested in, which the rating below will help you with.
What is the first thing to see in Macedonia?
In order to make the most complete and exhaustive list of attractions that are worth paying attention to when going on a tourist trip, talking about what to visit in Macedonia, the recommendations of experienced guides were studied and a rating of the top 23 attractions of the country was prepared:
1. Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid, surrounded by green mountains
The deepest and oldest lake in the Balkans, Ohrid Lake, was formed as a result of a tectonic fault in the earth’s crust as much as 5 million years ago, despite the fact that the average age of all freshwater bodies on the planet does not exceed 100 years. The natural attraction is also unique in that it is located overnight on the territory of Macedonia and Albania. The most fashionable hotels in Macedonia are located on the shore of the lake, where you can relax while enjoying the magnificent view from the window.
Macedonia | Hotels at competitive prices
Booking.com
2. The raincoat
St. Panteleimon’s Church
Tourists have long chosen the eastern coast of Lake Ohrid for the pearl of ancient culture – an archaeological site called Plaoshnik. The place is famous for the Church of St. Panteleimon, which was restored exactly in the likeness of the prototype of ancient drawings, as well as the ancient building of the first university of the ancient Slavs. If you plan to visit Lake Ohrid, then do not be lazy to take a survey of the east coast: here you will find a lot of interesting places that will tell you about the history of the state.
3. Stone Bridge in Skopje
Stone bridge over the Vardar River
Trains to any country cannot do without visiting its capital. The city of Skopje is located on two banks of the Vardar, 9 bridges were built across the river in the Middle Ages. The central place is given to the Stone Bridge. This 16-meter-high structure consists of monolithic stone blocks, each weighing 15 tons.
4. Skopje Fortress
The ancient fortress of Skopje called Kal
A trip to the capital of the republic cannot do without visiting the fortress of Skopje or Calais – its second name. The first settlements of the Southern Slavs were discovered at the site of the fortress in the IV century BC, then in the VI century the fortress was destroyed during the war with Turkey and then rebuilt again during the Byzantine Empire. The best hotels in Skopje are also located near the fortress, so you have the opportunity to comfortably stay near the sights to devote a few days of sightseeing.
Official website:http://www.skopje.gov.mk
5. The stone town of Kuklitsa
The stone town of Kuklitsa or the Valley of Dolls
The sights of Macedonia for travelers cannot be imagined without the stone town of Kuklitsa. This is a natural curiosity – stone blocks in the north of the state, which have been eroded for centuries. As a result, the stones looked like fancy dolls, which is why the valley got its name.
6. The Millennium Cross in Skopje
Millennium Cross in Skopje
If you are interested in what to see in Macedonia from architectural monuments, then we strongly recommend that you pay attention to the Millennium Cross, which is located in the capital – Skopje. This building is really grandiose! The height of the cross is as much as 66 meters, it is the largest architectural monument of the Orthodox cross in the whole world. The Millennium Cross was erected in Skopje in 2002 in honor of the celebration of the millennium since the adoption of the Christian religion by the people of the Republic.
7. Museum on the water “Bay on bones”
Museum on the water “Bay on bones”
Looking for interesting places? What do you think to visit in Macedonia? It is recommended to look at the “Bay on the bones”. This open-air museum is also located on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid, so you can include it in a comprehensive overview of Ohrid. In 2007, during another archaeological study at the bottom of Lake Ohrid, the remains of an ancient Slavic settlement were discovered, which can be viewed in the photo of the results of the dive. It was decided to restore the village, creating a unique museum on the water. And the complex got its name because of the many bones of livestock that were found on the excavation site.
8. The ancient amphitheater of Ohrid
View of the ancient Ohrid amphitheater
While strolling through the center of Ohrid, be sure to take a look at the ancient amphitheater. This architectural monument is famous for the fact that, unlike other architectural structures, it is a monument of Greek (Hellenic), not Roman culture. The amphitheater was built back in the two hundredth year BC, but nevertheless, it has been perfectly preserved without restoration, and today it hosts magical and romantic musical evenings for connoisseurs of ancient music and poetry.
9. Galichitsa National Park
Landscape of the Galichitsa National Park
As you have noticed, the sights of Macedonia are famous not only for historical monuments, but also for picturesque corners of nature. The park is a stunningly picturesque valley and the Galichitsa Mountain, located between the Ohrid and Prespa lakes. The top of the mountain, Magaro, rises as much as 2 km above sea level, so that the whole of Ohrid is visible from it at a glance. A trip to the national park is perfect for lovers of outdoor activities: here you can ride bicycles, go hiking in the mountains or enjoy rowing in the purest waters of Lake Ohrid.
10. Heraclea Linkestis
The ruins of Heraclea Linkestis
Guides in Macedonia advise all connoisseurs of ancient culture to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea. The city was founded in the distant IV century BC by Philip of Macedon, the ruler of the Roman Empire, the father of Alexander the Great in honor of the victory over the Turks. The city received the name of its patron, the ancient Greek hero Hercules. The most valuable of the preserved ruins are the ancient basilicas – floors made of small mosaic tiles, which have not lost their colors to this day.
11. The Monastery of St. Nahum
The courtyard of the Monastery of St. Naum
Are you interested in what to see in Macedonia in 1 day to get into the atmosphere of the Orthodox religion? In this case, do not ignore the monastery of St. Nahum. The shrine is located on the shore of the famous Ohrid Lake, at a distance of 30 km from the center of Ohrid. The monastery was founded by Naum of Ohrid, one of the disciples of Cyril and Methodius, around the 9th century AD. Subsequently, the relics of St. Naum were buried in the monastery.
12. The fortress of King Samuel
The gates of the fortress of King Samuel
Reviews of enthusiastic travelers unanimously advise tourists planning excursions in Macedonia to visit the fortress of King Samuel. This ancient fortification is the pearl of the city of Ohrid. The length of the fortress is as much as 3 km of a stone wall with a height of 16 meters and a thickness of about 2 meters. The fortress was founded by the Bulgarian tsar Samuel in the IV century for defensive purposes during the war with the Turks and managed to save the city from the invaders, surviving to this day almost in its original form.
13. Prespa Lake
Panorama of Prespa Lake
Interesting places for walking never cease to amaze, and next in line is Prespa Lake, the second largest lake in the state. The natural site is unique in that it belongs to three Balkan countries at the same time. It is separated from Lake Ohrid by a mountain range on which the Galichitsa National Park, mentioned above, is located. By its origin, Prespa is also a tectonic lake with a centuries-old history.
14. Kokino
The Ancient Kokino Observatory
It is impossible to imagine the sights of Macedonia without paying due attention to the monuments of science of Hellenic culture. Kokino is a famous ancient observatory dating back about three and a half thousand years ago. The structure of the observatory is made of metal and has its roots in the distant Iron Age. The remains of stone blocks with notches made on them have survived to this day, with the help of which ancient astrologers observed the movement of the Sun, Moon and stars.
15. Memorial House of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa House Museum
A trip to the capital of the Republic of Skopje should certainly culminate in a visit to the Memorial House of Mother Teresa. This open-air museum shows us the life of Saint Agnes from birth to her death. The attraction exists as a non-profit organization and is maintained at the expense of the state. Previously, the temple of the “Sacred Heart of Jesus” was located on the site of the museum.
16. Monument “Warrior on horseback”
Monument “Warrior on horseback”
Connoisseurs of military sculpture who have visited the old part of the city of Skopje will certainly turn their attention to the bronze statue of Alexander the Great, which is located right in the middle of the central square near the Stone Bridge. This majestic statue is designed to demonstrate the full power and authority of the ruler of the Roman Empire.
17. Matka Canyon
The picturesque place of the Matka Canyon
The famous canyon near the city of Skopje has rightfully entered the ranking of the best attractions in Macedonia. This real natural miracle was formed millions of years ago under the influence of the waters of the Treska River, which paved the way between the Vodno mountain range. Tourists visiting the canyon can enjoy boating and canoeing through its expanses, admiring the marble outcrops of ancient rocks, as well as visit many Orthodox churches and monasteries.
Official website: http://www.canyonmatka
18. Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Skopje Svilen Enev
If you have not yet decided where to go in Macedonia in Skopje, then we recommend plunging into the world of Islamic culture and visiting the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, located right in the center of the capital. The shrine was built about five centuries ago by the Islamic commander Mustafa, who owned several villages near Skopje. Pasha became known not only as a talented warrior, but also as a generous philanthropist and city figure, building schools and hospitals for the local population.
Official website: http://www.skopje.gov.mk
Sights of Macedonia: What else to visit in Macedonia?
Now you have an idea of the most recommended attractions for tourists and guests to visit. But besides the most famous memos, I would like to consider a few more interesting places in order to broaden your horizons and diversify your leisure time:
19. St. John Kaneo Church
The medieval Church of St. John Caneo
Among all the religious attractions, it is necessary to highlight the Church of St. John, which is located in the heart of Skopje. The shrine dates back to the XV century AD. But the peculiarity of the temple is that it was built on a steep cliff directly above Lake Ohrid in the form of an Orthodox cross. In addition, the building represents two stylistic architectural trends combined into one: Armenian and Byzantine.
20. Osogovsky Monastery
Top view of the Osogovsky Monastery
The temple was founded in the XIV century AD by the Orthodox monk Fyodor during the reign of Manuel Komnenos. The temple building is located in the valley of the Osogov Mountains, in the Eastern part of Skopje. The sights of Macedonia cannot be imagined in all its glory without a visit to this temple, as its architecture is the clearest example of Byzantine traditions and the building itself has perfectly preserved its beauty to the present day.
21. The ancient aqueduct of Vizbegovo
The ancient Vizbegovo Aqueduct is an impressive architectural structure
Well, how can we do without aqueducts when it comes to Byzantine culture? Numerous recommendations from tourists unanimously advise to visit a village in the north of Skopje called Vizbegovo and admire the ancient water supply structure – the aqueduct. Only 50 of its arches with a height of 16 meters have survived to this day. Once this structure supplied fresh water to the entire city of Skopje. Today, active work is underway to restore the aqueduct, the city authorities plan to restore the structure to its original appearance.
22. Pelister National Park
The expanses of the Pelister National Park
It is impossible to say with certainty that you have seen all the best sights without visiting the Bitola – Pelister National Park. This monument of nature occupies an area of about 12.5 thousand hectares. Here you will find not only the beauty of virgin forests, but also admire the famous Pelister lakes, which are popularly called “eyes” for their crystal purity. And you can also test yourself as a conqueror of peaks by climbing Pelister Peak, whose height is just over 2.5 km. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of Skopje, and the most persistent and hardy tourists, coming to the mountain before dawn, will be able to capture in memory the magnificent sunrise over the Pelister Mountains.
Official website: http://park-pelister.com/en/
23. St. Sophia Church in Ohrid
St. Sophia Cathedral on the background of the mountains Marjan Petkovski
And finally, we complete our virtual journey and description of the main attractions of the state by looking into the Church of St. Sophia. This ancient architectural monument dates back to the period of medieval culture, but is unique in that it was completely transformed into an Islamic mosque during the invasion of the Turks. There is now a minaret on top of the highest dome of the church. But if you go inside the temple, you can admire the true beauties of Byzantine painting, exposing the faces of the patron saints of the church.
By visiting the Republic and its capital Skopje, you get an excellent opportunity not only to have an informative time visiting historical, cultural, scientific and architectural monuments, but also to relax your soul and get enough of the energy of nature in numerous lake parks and pristine Balkan forests.
Read also about the best sights of Moldova and be inspired for your further journey through Europe!
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish