//
Photo: Stotosenik, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
On the lower slopes of Plačkovica Mountain is the Byzantine town of Bargala. It was constructed between the 4th and 6th centuries AD. Following archaeological excavations, a basilica, trade quarters, a water tank, a bath, a fortification system with an impressive main gate, and other infrastructure are visible today at the site. Findings have included gold coins and Slavic pottery from the 6th and 7th centuries.
Bargala is an archaeological site in Karbinci Municipality, North Macedonia, 15.5 km (9.6 mi) east of the city of Štip. It is situated in a river valley on the lower slope of the north side of Plačkovica Mountain. The site's name is of Thracian origin. An inscription at the site states that the city gate was constructed in 371/372 AD. An important religious and cultural centre of the middle Bregalnica region, Bargala was a city in the Roman province of Macedonia Secunda. In the 4th and 5th centuries, the prosperous city was the seat of a bishopric with a basilica complex at its centre and four more basilicas located outside the city wall. The bishopric of Bargala existed until the end of the 6th century AD.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Црква „Св. Ѓорѓи“
Dating from the 9th or 10th century, this church is among the oldest existing in North Macedonia preserved in its entirety. It is built of limestone in a cross-shape. It features one large dome and a smaller one. The interior contains frescoes, done in three phases with the latest occurring in the 14th century.
Црква „Св. Никола“
Built on the grounds of an older basilica, this church was built in 1625 and had its frescoes painted in 1627. The church is a small, single-aisled one built primarily of stone.
- the second largest river in North Macedonia, joining Vardar river after Štip. Roads follow the entire flow of Bregalnica around Štip and this is a very scenic drive.
Градскиот парк Суитлак
is a beautifully maintained hilly park with well maintained trails and benches.
Емир Ќучук Султанов мост
This historic stone bridge has spanned the Bregalnica River since 1672. During World War I, this bridge crossed a line between Serbian-controlled territory and Bulgarian-controlled territory.
Саат-кула
This tower was built in 1650 as a guard tower. It was later adapted into a clock tower. Also known as Bey's Tower, it stands among mainly houses. The tower features a tall spire.