The monastery St. Joakim Osogovski, Macedonia

I took the tour “Ancient Macedonia” with Explore (booked through Adventure Center) in May ’09. Through Bulgaria, Macedonia and northern Greece we followed in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and visited archaeological sites, Orthodox churches and more. In Macedonia’s Pelister National Park, many of us went hiking. Poppies and other wildflowers were everywhere.

In Macedonia we stayed at the monastery St. Joakim Osogovski, near the town of Kriva Palanka. We had it all to ourselves and enjoyed the scenery and quiet surroundings. A local priest showed us around. Pictured here are the smaller monastery church, restored in the 14th century, and the larger church St. Joakim Osogovski, built 1847-1851 and filled with frescoes.

BRITA BISHOP
Dallas, TX