Kokino megalithic observatiory church of St George

General information

Destination
Skopje, Macedonia

Program details

Organized departure from Skopje in the early morning hours. The tour starts with a visit of the only megalithic observatory on the Balkans, and one of the few in the world. The locality is often called the Macedonian Stonehenge – KOKINO. It was built on volcanic rock structures, on a hill 1.013 meters above sea level.

Although currently subjected to intensive research, its origin was estimated to date back from 1.815 B.C. People used it for tracking movements of the Sun and the Moon, as well as for observing other atmospheric phenomena.

On the way to Kokino we first arrive in the village of Mlado Nagoricane, where we shall visit the basalt slabs that witness the once-active volcanic activity in the area. Visit to the Kostoperska rock at the bottom of which remains of a Neolithic settlement have been found. Continue to Tatichev rock, where the ancient observatory is located, at an altitude of 1013 m. Ten minutes climb to the interior of the observatory – KOKINO. You will then descend to one of the most significant cultural monuments in Macedonia, located near Kumanovo, in the village of Staro Nagorichane. It is the church dedicated to St. George, which by its architectural and monumental Byzantine artistic uniqueness is considered as one of the pearls of Christian artifacts on this territory.

There is a legend related to the construction of this church about the hermit Prohor Pchinski and the Byzantine army leader Roman Diogen, which you will hear on-site. Lunch will be served in traditional national restaurant. Transfer back to Skopje in the late afternoon hours.


Meeting/pick-up point: Pick-up from hotel at 8am.

Duration: 8 hours.

End/closing time: At 4pm.

Languages: English.