Overview
One of the most amazing places of North Macedonia is situated above the city of Prilep: the monastery “Treskavec” - laid as an eagle’s nest among vertical rocks and granite slabs. Located at 1300 m asl. and protruding over the landscape of plains of Pelagonija this holy locale has been shrouded with mysticism since ancient times. A must-visit place in the heart of the country featured in many films and postcards.
Highlights
Treskavec monastery: Religious pieties have been held here in Roman era, as well as early-Christian basilica remnants have been used in building the current byzantine style
church Sveta Bogorodica (St. Holy Mother of God) that is found in the heart of the monastery (XIV cent.) and has preserved frescoes from the 15th century.
The monastery as similar in appearance as today’s, dates back around 1230 AD and since its foundation it has been the most significant sacred Christian site in the Pelagonija region. According to historic scripts, the Monastery had been respected by every ruler of the area throughout medieval times and on. It had been given a special autonomy and rights of ownership of a huge area surrounding it – fields, pastures, whole villages…thus because of the “richness” and strategic – hard-to-reach - importance it had been surrounded by fortifications and local populations had found safety within its walls in times of terror.
Our hike to reach the Monastery begins at the city of Prilep and travels by a well-established single track in an outer-earthly landscape. It will take you less than three hours to reach the Monastery in 6km and 700mD+. The area surrounding Prilep and the monastery is made of granite slabs and boulders which golden-crimson colors reflect the sun rays and unveils an impression of another planet. The first stop is Markovi Kuli, or Marko's Towers - the seat of Krali Marko on the rocks above Prilep that are still crowned with the remains of his fortress. Prince Marko (1335-1395) was a relatively insignificant feudal royal in the 14th century Balkans but later folkloric tales turned him into a mythical legend in Serbia, Bulgaria and N.Macedonia.
The monastery is always hidden from your sight as you walk towards it, but the landscape up north is dominated by a mountain peak looming a hundred meters above it – called Zlatovrv (Golden peak 1422m asl.). The name of the peak comes from the golden lightning rod installed there. And since the geography of the location is so dominant of the landscape – it is very susceptible of atmospheric effects such as frequent thunderstrokes. Thus, the name of the monastery “Treskavec” is derived from this phenomenon and translated in English it means “The place of tremble”.
The monastery nowadays has retained its significance and popularity as a place of worship and during your hike you will meet up with locals and tourist, as well as in the complex itself there might be many people that come by a vehicle (there is recently built asphalt road). Enjoy this mystical place with fantastic panoramas of the surrounding plains of Pelagonija, Mount Babuna, Mount Baba (National park Pelister), Mount Kaimakchalan and the cities of Prilep, Krushevo and in the distance Bitola. The return path is by the same way you came.
Difficulty Grading
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EASY / MODERATE |
up to 18km / 11mi / 3-6 hours |
Terrain may be rugged, with some hills, but not too strenuous.
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Suitable for fit and active people, with some hiking experience
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Map
When To Go
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Possible
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01 April – 30 April and 16 October to 15 November
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Recommended
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01 May – 15 October
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Not available
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16 November - 31 March |
Price
Available on request
INCLUDED IN PRICE:
- Mobile app with maps and route descriptions
- Detailed hiking route descriptions and maps
- Local safety information and contacts
- Stand by support
- Organization and logistic by Macedonia Travel
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS:
- Private arrival / departure transfers available upon request
- Extra night before or after the tour
- In hotel 3* in Prilep: from 25 €/ per person sharing double room. Single supplement: 15 €.
- In a guesthouse with private rooms: from 15 €/ per person sharing double room. Single supplement 15 €
- Rent of Global Positioning System (GPS) console: 45 €
Arrival & Departure
By bus from Skopje:
Buses start from Skopje
Central Bus Station to
Prilep Intercity Bus Station, which is on 20min walk from the petrol station Salida where the tour starts, and ends.
By train from Skopje: Trains start from
Skopje Railway Station to
Prilep Train Station, which is on 20min walk from the petrol station Salida where the tour starts, and ends.
Taxi / private transfer: Available on request from Skopje.
Please contact the agency for current bus / train schedules
Why Travel With Us?
LOCAL EXPERTS
Since 2004 we create authentic, high quality tours in the Balkans. North Macedonia is our homeland, we have walked and biked every corner of the country and we make sure that the balance between the activities, the "must see" attractions and the "off-the-beaten-track" experiences gives you the true Balkan - intense, hearth warming and often life changing experience.
SAFETY
* Strict company risk management on each tour that we operate available
* 24/7 for anything from enquiries to emergencies
* Macedonia Travel has liability insurance by Winner - Vienna Group
* "A" licensed by the Ministery of Economy of North Macedonia UP 113-101
* IATA license No. 76-3 2058
FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS
* Change your travel plans up to 30 days before departure, with no fees.
*After you pay the deposit, the rest of the amount can be paid any time until 30 days before departure
