Sunken Church of St. Nicholas
An Orthodox church submerged when the reservoir was built in 1953. Depending on the water level, it is either half-sunk in the lake or fully exposed. It is a symbol of Mavrovo.
The Church of St. Nicholas was built in 1850. When the Mavrovo reservoir was constructed in 1953, the village was flooded, and the church sank beneath the lake. Its roof has now collapsed, leaving only the stone walls and bell tower. Depending on the seasonal water level, the church is either half-submerged or fully exposed during dry periods, when you can walk right up to its walls. It is especially photogenic in winter, when the lake freezes and snow covers the surroundings. It is one of the most frequently seen postcard scenes in North Macedonia. It stands on the lakeshore next to Mavrovo village. Admission is free, and it is about 1.5 hours' drive from Skopje.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Mavrovo Ski Resort (Zare Lazarevski)
- Mavrovo Lake
- Galičnik
- Janče
- Lazaropole
- Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Bigorski)
- Radika Valley
- Rostuše