10 Things to Do in Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski Debar North Macedonia
Nestled in the lush and mountainous landscape of North Macedonia, the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski in Debar is a stunningly beautiful and historically significant site. With its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, the monastery is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual retreat or a day of sightseeing, here are 10 things to do at the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski.
1. Tour the Monastery Complex: The monastery complex is comprised of two churches, a bell tower, and a variety of other buildings and structures. The main church, the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael, was built in the 11th century and is the oldest building in the complex. The second church, the Church of St. Jovan Bigorski, was built in the 14th century and is the largest building in the complex. There is also a bell tower, a library, and a museum that houses a variety of artifacts and documents related to the monastery’s history.
2. Visit the Iconostasis: One of the highlights of the monastery complex is the impressive iconostasis. The iconostasis is a wall of icons that separates the nave from the altar and is an important part of Orthodox Christian churches. The iconostasis at the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski is one of the most impressive in the region and is a must-see for any visitor.
3. Attend a Service: The Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski is an active religious site and visitors are welcome to attend services. The monastery holds services every Sunday and other special occasions throughout the year. Services are conducted in the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael and are open to the public.
4. Explore the Garden: The monastery complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden that is full of flowers, trees, and other plants. The garden is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery.
5. Visit the Museum: The museum at the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski houses a variety of artifacts and documents related to the monastery’s history. The museum is open to the public and is a great place to learn more about the monastery and its history.
6. Take a Hike: The Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski is located in a stunningly beautiful area that is perfect for hiking. There are a number of trails that lead up to the monastery and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
7. Go Bird Watching: The area around the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski is home to a variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, and owls. Bird watching is a popular activity in the area and is a great way to get closer to nature.
8. Enjoy a Picnic: The grounds of the monastery are the perfect place to enjoy a picnic. There are several picnic tables located around the monastery complex and the surrounding gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
9. Visit the Local Market: The nearby town of Debar is home to a bustling market where visitors can find a variety of local products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, and more. The market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and get a taste of local life.
10. Take a Tour: The Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski offers guided tours of the complex and its grounds. Tours are available in English and are a great way to learn more about the monastery’s history and significance.
The Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski is a stunningly beautiful and historically significant site that is well worth a visit. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual retreat or a day of sightseeing, there are plenty of things to do at the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski.