The European country of North Macedonia is big on lake and mountain tourism, but it has man-made attractions that make for an enriching journey. After all, this republic has a long history dating back to the Neolithic civilization. The region was ruled by medieval states, kingdoms, and empires, making it a hotspot of history and culture. As such, travelers will enjoy visiting its archaeological, historical, and cultural destinations.North Macedonia is a landlocked nation bordered by stunning Greece, Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Albania. It has a rich heritage and many stories to tell, so this country is always eager to welcome those who want to step back in time.
10 Skopje
The capital Skopje is North Macedonia’s cultural center, so any tour to this nation must start in this city. For a quick look at history, tourists should head to the Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia, the archaeological museum, or the city museum. There are also numerous art galleries for creative souls. Another must-visit is the Old Bazaar for souvenirs, while Tvrdina Kale Fortress is perfect for Instagram savvies. There are also mosques and churches, but one religious site to see is the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, dubbed “the most unique” in the country.
9 Ohrid
Located by a lake, the city of Ohrid is another tourist favorite, thanks to its abundance of attractions. It is most famous for its holy sites like the archaeological site of Plaošnik, the cliffside Church of Sveti Jovan, and the 13th-century Byzantine church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta, among others. It also has The Bay of Bones, a group of stilt houses that feature artifacts, and Icon Gallery, which features religious icons. Another unique attraction is the National Workshop for Handmade Paper, where tourists can learn about paper-making, which has been happening in the city since the 16th century.
8 Heraclea Lyncestis
If tourists want to explore the ruins of an ancient Greek city, they are in for a treat because North Macedonia has them, and they are well-preserved. When tourists visit Heraclea Lyncestis, they’ll be transported back in time in a jiffy. It is one of the top archaeological sites in the country, where history buffs can see ruins of an amphitheater, Roman baths, a portico, a basilica, and a palace. There’s a cafe near the site, the perfect place to cap a day of stepping back in time, Greek style.
7 Bargala
Another interesting archaeological site, Bargala, was first mentioned in 451 AD, and now tourists can explore its stunning ruins. Located at the foot of a mountain, this scenic site is Instagram-friendly, so wherever tourists snap a shot, they’ll be afforded stunning views of the ruins and the mountainscape. This ancient city was once surrounded by walls, which tourists can trace; they can even scale its gate. The ruins of the basilica, court, prison, baths, storage rooms, morgue, and factories give insights into a once thriving community.
6 Markovi Kuli
If tourists can’t get enough of Macedonian archaeological sites, Markovi Kuli awaits them. This attraction is tentatively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its landscape of rocks, peaks, and massif makes it a charming place; no wonder an ancient population settled here. Its rock masses have unusual shapes, spearheaded by the Elephant or the Stork. This picture-worthy destination is where history can be reviewed through rocks and ruins. Thanks to its unique charm, Markovi Kuli rocks, literally and figuratively.
5 Stobi
It is evident by now that North Macedonia is home to many stunning ruins, making it an amateur archaeologist’s paradise. Another of its proud attractions is Stobi, an ancient town dating back to the 4th century AD, making it probably one of the oldest in the Balkans. It was discovered during World War II when the Germans were digging trenches. Now, it can be explored by curious tourists who want to see what life was like in the time of Paeonia and the Roman Empire.
4 Kokino
Kokino is another attraction tentatively listed as a World Heritage Site. UNESCO praised it for being a “unique, outstandingly well-preserved site from Bronze Age.” This 3,800-year-old archaeo-astronomical site was used to study the movement of celestial bodies and create a calendar. It was accidentally discovered in 2001 and is now an important part of the country’s rich archeological history. Tourists can explore its platforms and remains, gazing at the sky and being thankful for another day of an enriching experience.
3 GaliÄnik
GaliÄnik is a quaint mountain village famous for its traditional houses. This rocky town offers accommodations for tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city or just want a place to relax after touring North Macedonia’s attractions. Visitors should imagine this: the mountain breeze will entice them to explore the area after finishing their breakfast. They can hike, check out old structures, and befriend locals. When they visit in time for ceremonial events, they’ll have the chance to appreciate GaliÄnik culture, from the costumes to the food.
2 Monuments
North Macedonia is proud of its monuments that remember the country’s storied past. The mountain town of Kruševo is home to the alluring Ilinden Uprising Monument. This memorial recalls a 1903 revolt that paved the way for the short-lived Macedonian Republic. This uniquely-shaped structure is a charmer inside and out. Prilep, meanwhile, has the Burial Mound of the Unbeaten dedicated to the city’s soldiers who died during World War II. Another Kruševo attraction is the monument that commemorates the Battle of MeÄkin Kamen, where a famed rebel leader and his gang made their heroic last stand.
1 Monasteries
North Macedonia is dotted with monasteries where tourists can unwind in its purest sense. The Sveti Naum Monastery is among the most famous, thanks to its location by Lake Ohrid. Sveti Jovan Bigorski Monastery, meanwhile, is tucked in a national park, making it a place to be one with nature, as well. Treskavec Monastery is on a rocky mountain, the perfect place to rest after a hike. At Sveta Bogorodica Monastery, tourists can check out a 14th-century chapel and its mesmerizing frescoes. In North Macedonia, peace is always easy to come by.