Photo: US Government, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
An important megalithic observatory site discovered in 2001 by archaeologist Jovica Stankovski. It is believed to represent an astronomical observatory and ceremonial site. The locale is approximately 3,800 years old and sits in beautiful scenery. It includes special stone markers used to track the movement of sun and moon on the eastern horizon. The observatory used a method of stationary observation, marking positions of the sun at the winter and summer solstice, as well as the equinox. The importance of the site, detailed by physicist Gjore Cenev, was confirmed by the US space agency NASA and it appeared fourth on a list of oldest observatories compiled by NASA. Look up information about this site prior to visiting as there are few explanatory resources to be found for visitors.
Kokino is a Bronze Age archaeological site in North Macedonia, approximately 30 km from the town of Kumanovo, and about 6 km from the Serbian border, in the Staro Nagoričane Municipality. It is situated between about 1010 and 1030 m above sea level on the Tatićev Kamen summit and covers an area of about 90 by 50 meters, overlooking the eponymous hamlet of Kokino.
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Црква „Св. Ѓорѓи“
This small church was built of large stone blocks in a Byzantine revival style in 1867. In addition to its relatively elaborate exterior, it contains an iconostasis dating from 1874.
Карпински манастир
This 14th-century monastery is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. The present look of the monastery dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. Its church contains a valuable iconostasis with seven original icons dating from 1607. Some old frescoes are visible, though what can be seen is mostly from restoration in 1892. The bell tower of the monastery is among the more impressive in the country, built of stone blocks with decorative elements and capped by a dome and cross.
Меморијален Центар АСНОМ
The first plenary session of the Anti-fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM) was held at Prohor Pčinjski Monastery, today in Serbia. ASNOM was the supreme legislative and executive people's representative body of the Macedonian state from 1944 until the end of World War II. The Assembly declared Macedonia the nation-state of Macedonians within Yugoslavia and proclaimed the Macedonian language as the official language of the Macedonian state. In 1947, the area including the monastery was transferred to the Serbian Socialist Republic. Following independence in 1991, Macedonia was often hassled by Serbia in holding its commemoration of the first ASNOM session at Prohor Pčinjski Monastery. Thus, this memorial center was built and the annual celebration occurs here. The building features a colorful facade of mosaics. The memorial center is only 2 km (1.2 mi) from Prohor Pčinjski Monastery.
Црква „Св. Ѓорѓи и Св. Никола“
This post-Byzantine church is unique in that it is a double church dedicated to two saints with two separate entrances and two apses. The frescoes in the north nave are the oldest, dating from the church's construction period in the 16th or 17th century. The tall wooden iconostasis is mostly from 1893, with the exception of the doors in the south nave which are from the church's original iconostasis.
Забелски манастир
This 14th-century monastery is home to a single church dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary). The church was destroyed following the beginning of Ottoman rule and rebuilt centuries later in the 1850s. It was built in the style attributed to the Renzov family of large stone blocks and roof flat in the middle and pitched downward on both sides. An octagonal dome sits atop the church. The iconostasis within is made of wood. The monastery, situated in a forest area between the villages of Nikuljane, Staro Nagoričane, and Čelopek, also contains dormitories.
Црква „Св. Ѓорѓи“
A highly significant medieval church for both its architecture and frescoes. Saint George was first constructed in 1071 and reconstructed between 1313 and 1318 by the Serbian king at the time, Stefan Milutin. It features one main octagonal dome and four smaller domes. The lower part of the structure is made of large sandstone blocks while the upper part is made of rows of stone and brick. During the reconstruction period, the church's walls were painted with frescoes by Mihailo and Evtihij, among which are depictions of Stefan Milutin and his queen, Simonida. The fresco style is that of the Palaiologan Renaissance, which is characterised by the revival of ancient forms with iconographic innovations. Beside the church is a bell tower as well as some old graves.