Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Bigorski)
An Orthodox monastery on a hillside in the Radika Valley, famous for its exquisite walnut iconostasis. It is one of North Macedonia's most important monasteries.
Bigorski Monastery is traditionally said to have been founded in 1020. Most of the surviving buildings date from reconstructions in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it was restored after a fire in 2009. The walnut carved iconostasis in the main church was made by craftsmen of the Miyak school of woodcarving. Its figures, animals and plants are lifelike, and it is regarded as the peak of Balkan woodcarving. The monastery also has an icon of St. John the Baptist, said to have healing powers. Monks still live there. Entry is free, and visitors must dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees). Photography is prohibited inside the church. It is on the A2 highway, about 20 km from Mavrovi Anovi.
Opening hours
About 07:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Rostuše
- Radika Valley
- Duf Waterfall
- Janče
- Galičnik
- Lazaropole
- Mavrovo Ski Resort (Zare Lazarevski)
- Sunken Church of St. Nicholas