Bigorski Monastery St John the Baptist

This place might be one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been. It is divinely beautiful. There is ample parking outside, before heading through the arch into an oasis of flowers and architecture. It is pristine, and has been preserved for millennia to be what it is today. There’s gardens, and what can only be described as the most opulent church I’ve been in (unfortunately no photography inside this part). It really is spectacular.

The Monastery is situated a short (steep) distance from the main road. It is interesting to visit, and offers a good view of the surrounding mountains. There’s a restaurant next to the road leading up to the monastery, and there’s a guesthouse and car park next to the monastery (bookable on booking.com). For me the visit was tainted by the presence of an unhappy caged parrot in the monastery courtyard. I can’t see the justification for keeping this beautiful bird in captivity

Monastery time? I think so. Very much worth the short drive up. Utterly beautiful place. Lets be honest, if you are on this road there isnt much else to see aside from more gorgeous forest. A welcome change. Go here. Light a candle. Speak to a monk. Good. For the love of all that is good, drive all the way up and dont try to walk unless you love a fairly perilous road climb. Lots of parking up top.

A renovated, clean, well-kept monastery which offers a pleasant stroll along the courtyard, superb vistas from above and a friendly discussion with some of the brothers living there. A must-visit stop on the way to Ohrid!

Very spiritual place. They welcomed us with warm tea.

What can you say about the house of God? It is overwhelming how the peace comes into your body when you enter the monastery. The place is worth the visit. It is in the heart of the mountain, the architecture is authentic and the main thing is that is is alive.

The oldest monastery in Macedonia. Dates from 1020! You must visit this place to find a peace inside your soul and feel close to god! One of the most beautiful monastery, it feels magical to be there and the views are amazing. Come early if you want to find parking, or even better park a little further down and enjoy the walk to see the old building. In the top 10 MUST visit place in Macedonia!

My airbnb host told me this place was so beautiful that even the Nazis would not dare touch it. It truly is a stunning place. Easy to reach with lots of parking. Entrance is free but nice to pay some respect to the church, maybe light a candle or two. I am not orthodox but it was still very beautiful to see.