Mariovo: Life a Century Ago – Gradeshnica, Staravina and Zovikj

Mariovo, which is, perhaps, the most isolated part of the country, is located at about fifty kilometres from Bitola.The road takes us through Novaci, Makovo and Rapesh to Staravina, with only three kilometres remaining to reach the village Gradeshnica.Last village of the Bitola region of Mariovo.On the road, the break on Rapeshki Bridge on Crna River shall be the real relaxation for your senses.

Peshta Fortress is between the villages Staravina and Gradeshnica, which is related to the famous Mariovo rebellion in the mid XVI century and to the story of Kalesh Angja; however, the fortress was ruined due to the weather conditions, as well as due to the consequences of the First World War.Out of the seven churches in Gradeshnica, the biggest church is the church of St.Nicholas, the main church located in the centre of the village, with a beautiful fountain at the very entrance.The village centre resembles a small city square.Only the imagination can take you back to the past, and one can assume what life was like a century ago.

At about hundred metres from the village centre, you shall immediately face the silent witnesses of the past, whose traces are still visible.On the left side, in one of the village houses, there are a number of grenades, bombs, military helmets of different armies, bayonets, lanterns, rifles… from the First World War.

Near the“Church of the Ascension of Jesus”, you will be able to see the millennium-old wineries in rocks.They are abundant in Mariovo.You will learn of this unique wine production method, and will also observe the incurved circles in the solid rocks of which the millstones were made.

The powerful Gradeshnichka River can be heard in the distance.By collecting the waters of the Nidze Mountain, the river is rather fast during the spring period.The beauties of the entire region are supported by the mere fact that, on the other side of the mountain, the village Pozharsko (Lutraki) is located, with the beautiful natural warm water spas.They are divided only by the mountain; the summit Kajmakchalan is above, and the summit Sokol and Dobro Pole are to the east.Place of the biggest horror that took place during the Great War.

The visit of the Staravina village shall be used to visit the main church“Dormition of the Mother of God”. You shall learn why the upper village church was never completed and why were the frescoes in thechurches initially written in Greek.

The final part of the adventure includes a visit of the Zovikj village and of the amazing bridge of the village above Gradeshka River.You will certainly recognize it since it was often used in movie scenes.If the weather conditions shall allow it, bathing in one of the cleanest rivers near the bridge shall guarantee an unforgettable and unique experience.

The tour shall end with food prepared in sach pot in the ethno-restaurant in Zovikj village.

Logistical information:Tour departure point is Bitola.The tour includes organized transport to the Mariovo villages.Climbing and descent to/from the Peshta fortress requires about 40 minutes.