Monastery St George, Polog This monastery is located in south-east North Macedonia, near
Kavadarci, on the border between
Mariovo and
Tikveš. It can be reached
only by boat across man-made
Tikveš Lake. One can start this unique experience from three places: • by the dam near the village of
Vozarci, • from the village of
Resava near
Kamen Dol and • from
Kamenica near the village of
Begnište. It is now situated in an inaccessible area, but in the past the monastery rose high above the canyon of the river
Crna, on the foothills of
Višešnica. Nowadays it is secluded by the lake and completely isolated. The church, as a lonely representative of its time, honorably watches over the invaluable medieval art from the time of
Tsar Dušan. According to the latest research, the building of the monastery dates before 1340 AD, and the frescoes were painted in 1343-1345. During its existence the monastery had been abandoned on several occasions, but its activity never ceased completely. In the 16th century it had an active monastic brotherhood and was a powerful spiritual center. The large gold-plated wooden cross was carved in this period (1584). At the beginning of 19th century the lodgings on the eastern and on the southern side were built, the bell tower and several other buildings of practical character. Only the monastery church of
St. George has survived within the walls of the monastery until today. Only fragments of the 17th century
iconostasis, the icon of
St. George depicting his life, the wood-carved chandelier (17th century) and three wood carved double doors (17th century) is all that has remained from the wealth of the religious object with great artistic value which once adorned the interior of the church.
Čebren Monastery To reach the monastery you first need to go to the village
Zovič which can be reached from
Staravina or just by following the dirt road from
Rapeš. Then from Zovič just head towards the river
Crna and you will reach the monastery. The Čebren Monastery with the Church of
St. Demetrios (Sv. Dimitrija), together with the small church of
Holy Saviour (Sv. Spas) located nearby, are centres of exceptional spiritual and archeological value. The Monastery belongs to the village of Zovič and is situated on the eastern bank of river Crna. The church of St. Demetrios is a three-naval basilica with marble columns. Its iconostasis dates from the 15th century, but was renovated in the 19th century. Southeast from the monastery, on the hill which rises over the river is the small church of the Holy Saviour, probably built in the 14th century. It is a single-naval stone church with wooden roof structure covered with stone tiles (preserved only on the apse and eastern wall). The interior is completely fresco-painted and a great deal of the frescos can still be seen.
Gradešnica and church of St Demetrios (Sv. Dimitrija) The villagе of
Gradešnica is located down the slope toward the Gradeska River and its canyon. The church of St. Demetrios, a cultural monument from the 15th century, is located in this village, situated by the road at the very entrance. This church is sometimes mentioned as the church of St. Nicholas, but also known as St. Demetrios among the local population. It is a small, single-nave church covered with a semi-cylindrical vault. The massive stone iconostasis separates the space towards the altar apse. The preserved frescoes on the central part (naos) and on the iconostasis differ from those in the altar apse. According to their style, they belong to the 14th century, while those in the altar apse indicate the style of the 15th century. Visitors can reach Gradešnica from Staravina; there is an asphalt road leading there. == References ==