Kičevo Monastery

From Skopje to Lake Ohrid via Kičevo

Lake Ohrid can be reached from Skopje either via Debar or through the more direct route that passes through the city of Kičevo, which has a population of over 50,000. South of the city lies one of Macedonia’s most important monasteries, dedicated to Mary the Immaculate. The monastery houses a miraculous icon which, according to legend, returns to its original location on a beam of light whenever it is moved to another monastery. This phenomenon is said to have determined the site of the current monastery.

The original monastery was built in the 14th century but has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current structure dates from the 19th century and includes two churches and a spacious monastic complex. The most significant element of the site is a spring believed to possess healing properties. The spring attracts not only Christian pilgrims but also Muslim visitors. In a gesture of interfaith respect, the monks have prepared a separate room without religious icons to accommodate Muslim worshippers.

Kičevo is located at a strategic crossroads, with routes leading to Bitola, Prilep, Skopje, and Lake Ohrid. The city sits in a valley between surrounding mountains, through which the Treska River flows. At the center of the city rises an ancient fortress atop a hill. Kičevo also features a traditional bazaar, several mosques, a clock tower, and a small museum dedicated to the Macedonian independence movement.

Nearby lies another notable monastic site, the Knezino Monastery, also dating back to the 14th century.