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Skopje -

The capital and largest city of North Macedonia, Skopje has a history that spans over 3,000 years. Ruled first by the Paeonians and then the Romans, Skopje flourished under the Byzantines, who clashed with the Bulgarian Empire for control of the city. Later part of the Serbian Empire until it was conquered by Ottoman Turks, Skopje's multifaceted and often complex history is evident in its architecture and myriad of visitor attractions.

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Skopje Fortress -

Set on the highest point of the city and crowning the city's Old Town, the 6th-century Skopje Fortress, commonly referred to by locals as Kale, radiates movie set looks and remains a landmark feature of the North Macedonian capital.

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Archaeological Museum of Macedonia -

Anybody interested in learning about the country's past should ensconce themselves in this absorbing cultural showstopper. It works as an archaeological, historical, and ethnological museum rolled into one.

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The Church of the Ascension of Jesus -

Also known as Sveti Spas Church, this church dates from the 14th century and is the most historically important in Skopje. The foundations are partly submerged (the Ottomans banned churches from being taller than mosques), but it's above ground where you'll find the elaborate carved iconostasis the site is famous for.

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National Gallery of Macedonia -

Located in Skopje's Old Bazaar district, the National Gallery of Macedonia is unusual in that it's housed within the walls of a 15th-century hamman, or Turkish bath facility. The architecture adds an authentic allure to the museum's collection, some artifacts of which date back to the same period.

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Holocaust Memorial Center for the Jews of Macedonia -

Skopje commemorates the fate of the 7,000 or so North Macedonian Jews who perished during the Holocaust with a purpose-built memorial center that includes a museum that documents the Sephardic Jewish community's history in the Balkans.

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Museum of the Macedonian Struggle -

In a similar vein, the city's Museum of the Macedonian Struggle covers the period from the beginning of the resistance movement against Ottoman rule, until the declaration of independence from Yugoslavia on September 8, 1991.

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Mount Vodno cable car -

Skopje's cable car takes visitors to the top of nearby Vodno Mountain, the crown of which is surmounted by the Millennium Cross, a 66-meter (216 ft) tall cross built in 2002 to commemorate 2,000 years of Christianity in North Macedonia.

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Matka Canyon -

Located west of Skopje is the outdoors adventure playground that is Matka Canyon. In winter, the gorge is one of North Macedonia's foremost areas for alpine hiking. Summer, meanwhile, brings with it watersports enthusiasts and seasoned hikers.

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Ohrid -

Ohrid glows in the honor of being one of only 28 locations that are part of UNESCO's World Heritage and are Cultural as well as Natural sites. Set on sparkling Lake Ohrid, many of the country's most outstanding visitor attractions are found in and around this historic city.

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Monastery of Saint Naum, Lake Ohrid -

Situated along Lake Ohrid, 29 km (18 mi) south of the city of Ohrid, this handsome 10th-century monastery, perched on a cliff near the Albanian border, is named after the medieval Bulgarian writer and enlightener Saint Naum, who founded it.

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Church of St. John, Kaneo -

One of Ohrid's must-sees is the splendid Church of St. John. Situated on a cliff overlooking Kaneo Beach in front of Lake Ohrid, the church was consecrated in the 13th century and remains a cherished landmark.

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Church of St. John interior -

Besides its winning location, the Church of St. John is noted for its astonishing collection of dazzling frescoes set behind the altar.

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Samuel's Fortress -

Built on foundations dating back to the 4th century BCE, Samuel's Fortress served in the 11th century CE as the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. Though heavily restored, this historical monument is still worth investigating, not least for the inspiring views back across Ohrid.

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Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon -

Another extraordinary religious site is the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon. Saint Clement of Ohrid is buried here, interred in 916. The church's visual appeal is complemented by the archaeological excavations of a Roman basilica.

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Church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta -

The Church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta, which translates as "Our Lady the Most Glorious," is another Byzantine church building famed for its rare and ornate frescoes. It was constructed in 1295.

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Church of St. Sophia -

Completed in the 9th century, this is one of North Macedonia's most important historical monuments. It brims with art from the medieval era, including vivid biblical frescoes that radiate color as if created yesterday.

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National Workshop for Handmade Paper -

Don't dismiss a chance to visit the National Workshop for Handmade Paper. Ohrid has been printing paper since the 16th century, and this unassuming museum has one of only two copies of the Gutenberg Press in the world.

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Museum on Water–Bay of Bones, Lake Ohrid -

It's on Lake Ohrid that one of North Macedonia's more surprising visitor attractions is found, the Museum on Water–Bay of Bones. This careful reconstruction of a prehistoric settlement stands as archaeologists think it would have looked between 1200 and 600 BCE.

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Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments and National Museum -

Ohrid's Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments and National Museum is housed in the exceptionally well-preserved 19th-century Old Town house that was once home to the influential Robev family of merchants.

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Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery, Gari -

A monastery church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, this 11th-century Byzantine treasure located near the village of Gari is revered for its beautiful wood-carved iconostasis embellishing the interior.

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Mavrovo National Park -

Away from the cities, visitors can explore Mavrovo National Park, the largest of four such reserves the eco-systems of which support a wide variety of flora and fauna.

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Lake Mavrovo -

The national park, its lake, and the region are named after the village of Mavrovo. The lake was created in 1947 by damming the Mavrovo River. A number of village buildings were submerged as a result, though one escaped the encroaching water: St. Nicholas Church (pictured).

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Galichnik Village -

A delightful park detour is following the winding, tree-lined road up to Galichnik, a mountainside village of vernacular architecture and time- honored tradition.

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European lynx -

You'll need to be very fortunate to catch a glimpse of the elusive European lynx. Mavrovo National Park is one of the three remaining habitats of this beautiful but rare feline.

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Eastern imperial eagle -

You're more likely to spy this bird, the Eastern imperial eagle. That said, the majestic raptor is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

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Heraclea Lyncestis -

North Macedonia's Greek and Roman history is evident in the ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, situated 2 km (1 mi) south of the present-day town of Bitola. Founded in the 4th century BCE and named after the Greek hero Heracles, Heraclea Lyncestis was later incorporated into the Roman Empire.

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Mount Korab -

If you fancy going off the beaten track and heading under the tourist radar, trek to the summit of Mount Korab, at 2,764 m (9,068 feet) the highest peak in North Macedonia.

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Pelister National Park -

Pelister is the oldest and second largest national park in North Macedonia after Mavrovo. It's one of the leading tourist areas in the country, attracting skiers and hikers, and those with an appreciation of the remote, natural world.

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Galičica National Park -

Galičica National Park is named for the mountain range that straddles the North Macedonian-Albanian border. The peaks are seen here reflected in the calm waters of Ohrid Lake.

Sources: (History) (IUCN Red List) (Balkan Heritage Field School)

See also: Magnificent natural parks in Europe

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