Over the past 20-30 years, the world has changed a lot, people have become more competent, more actively fight for their interests, rights and freedoms. And in connection with this, the boundaries of various states are increasingly corrected or completely new countries appear, such as the Republic of Macedonia.
A little about the countryThe state has become known since September 1991, when the former Republic of Yugoslavia proclaimed its independence and became the Parliamentary Republic of Macedonia. total area new country - 25,713 km², it is about 36% of the area of \u200b\u200bhistorical Macedonia. And the capital of the modern country is the city. The Official language in the republic is considered to be the Macedonian language, more than 70% of the total population communicate, but thanks to trade and tourism in Macedonia, English is actively distributed.
In the last decade, Macedonia has large efforts in the development of tourist business, it is considered that this country is very comfortable and attractive for tourists. And it will truly unforgettable, because here beautiful nature, very much and enough suggestions for active rest.
Where is Macedonia?
The State Macedonia is located in the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula, has a common southern border with Greece, Northern with Yugoslavia, the West Rubber is common with, and East - with Bulgaria. The only Balkan country without exiting the sea is the Republic of Macedonia, although it has a very good location: in the depths of the country there are accessible minerals, even detected precious metals, but their production is still postponed due to the small reserves of the field. In Macedonia, more than a century is actively developing winemaking, textile and tobacco industry.
What's in a name?
The word "Macedonia" has very ancient roots, and the territory of the state repeatedly changed its borders. In this regard, at the insistence of Greece, the UN and official international documents are considered the right name - the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, but often it is called easier: Republic of Macedonia or Macedonia.
It should be borne in mind that historical area Macedonia, district in Greece Aegean Macedonia or part of Bulgaria, Pirinskaya Macedonia - completely different territories.
Climate and weather in Macedonia
The northern part of the Balkan Peninsula refers to a moderately continental mining climate, but the southern part of the country can boast warmer climatic conditions: the proximity of the Mediterranean affects.
In the summer, as a rule, hot and dry, the average daily temperatures ranges about +22 degrees, closer to the northern border is always cooler - to +15 degrees. In Macedonia and winter weather is very comfortable. At night, the thermometer column falls on average to -7, but during the day it becomes much warmer - +5 degrees. As a rule, precipitation falls in winter from 500 mm on average around the country and up to 1700-2000 mm in the mountains, here snow can lie from November to March.
The tourist season is considered the period from May to September, when there are practically no precipitation, and air temperature is guaranteed to hold above zero degrees.
Population of Macedonia and Religion
Today, more than 2.1 million citizens live in the country, mostly Slavic. Most of the country's population is Macedonians, according to their census about 64%, Albanians live about 26%. The remaining 10% includes Serbs, Turks, Gypsies and other nationalities.
Slavic roots make themselves felt in a religious issue: about 67-68% of Macedonians consider themselves Orthodox Christians, it can be said that this is the state religion of the Republic of Macedonia. A little less than 30% of residents - Muslims are mainly the Albanians who live in this country.
History of Macedonia
Territory little State Macedonia first appeared back in the distant V century BC, and at different times was part of or belonged to various empires and states: the Roman and Byzantine Empires, the Serbian kingdom, the Ottoman Empire, Ancient Macedonia and Piaonia.
In the XIV century, all the lands of modern Eastern Europe were enslaved by the Ottoman Empire. In the XIX century, Bulgarians began to fight for their national rights. During the Balkan wars, the borders of many states were constantly changing, merged into the same thing again, until, finally, the territory of the ancient Macedonia was not divided between Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia, the latter in 1929 became part of the Novomorated Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In 1991, the Republic of Macedonia acquired sovereignty and independence.
Natural beauty of Macedonia
The nature of Macedonia is both high, smooth lakes, and plains. For a long time, this country is called the "country of mountains and lakes". The territory of the republic crosses the two mountain systems: from the west side of the Pind Mountain, and from the East to the center of the Mountain Rhodope. The height of local mountains on average 2500 meters. Macedonia is a seismic activity zone, sometimes tangible strong earthquakes occur. The most famous happened in 1963, as a result, the capital of Macedonia Skopje was strongly injured.
Two mountain chains are separated large rivers Studmitsa and Vardar, they crossed all Macedonia, are considered the largest and full-fledged. But the legendary lakes are mainly in the south-west of the republic, the largest of them are lakes and. Local landscapes are charming and unmatched. Next to the lakes are open national parks To preserve the flora and fauna of the country. Vegetation is represented by real forests consisting of deciduous and coniferous rocks, but in the western part of Macedonia, the slopes of the mountains are often covered with frequent shrubs than trees.
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Sights of Macedonia
The historically saturated territory of the ancient Macedonia could not leave the sights of different eras and directions. The most famous and expensive memory, the place is considered in the city, which since 1980, together with the city and the lake is one of the objects World Heritage UNESCO.
Skopje's capital can be said that this is the largest and diverse attraction of the country. It saved unique architectural monuments from antiquity to middle ages. Especially popular with historians and tourists are leading directly to, the humble Orthodox Church of the Holy Savior Savior of the XVIII century and two Muslim mosques created in 1492: Sultan Murat Mosque and a mosque about one of the oldests - and many other memorabilia and facilities.
Near the capital partially saved antique city Skupupy, and near the city there is another antique heritage - the city of Herakley Linzestis, it is believed that its founder in the IV century BC. There was Philip II Macedonian himself. Archaeological excavations are periodically conducted around both objects and scientists work.
In the city as on request, a lot has been preserved architectural masterpieces: Gate of Mountain Port, the ruins of Christian Basilica with an ancient mosaic and others. Ohrid Lake is a real treasure of Macedonia, it is located at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level and is considered one of the purest lakes of the planet. Ohrid is an excellent resort of Macedonia: many beautiful, healing sanatoriums and hotels are built here, offering a full range of services for a good rest.
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Recreation and Entertainment in Macedonia
In addition to the inspection of unique ancient monuments and walks on museums and parks, a lot has been developed in Macedonia tourist routes For hiking and mountainous tourism, fans of outdoor activities will be offered to do rafting, and the most fearless - go through the cave paths of speleologists.
Local lakes are particularly attractive for avid fishermen, and the mountain slopes are always ready to take the tourist troops of skiers and snowboarders. For example, Cruzhevo and Popova Cap, in addition to basic services, often offer horseback riding or overview cycling around the surrounding area. Another famous snowy resort of Macedonia - Mavrovo, is famous not only the largest on its territory, but also its hotels that are built in the traditional style of the country. The authorities of the republic actively support the development of such recreational areas, besides, not all people loving snow are ready to stand on skis.
In the capital and major cities from late evening and do nightclubs work until morning. And besides the usual new year and christmas, from unusual popular tourists Particularly loved on May 24 (Saints Day Cyril and Methodius) and October 11 (Partizan Day).
Where to have a snack in Macedonia?
A modern mix of culinary masterpieces of all neighbors on the Balkan Peninsula is, but the most sensible is the treachery of Turkish motifs. Distinctive feature of the classic menu - a large number of Fruits and vegetables, which add almost every dish, as well as cheese. From meat, Macedonians are more like lamb and beef, the neighbors from Greece put love for seafood.
Local delicacy is Ohrid Trout, it is glad to binge, fry, salted. Perhaps, one of the appetizing dishes is trout baked in a pot with prunes under the sauce of whipped eggs, garlic and various greens - Pastreka. All abundance local cuisine You can enjoy in an excellent Kaj Kanevche restaurant in Ohrid.
Enjoy all the traditions of delicious Mediterranean cuisine, we recommend in the metropolitan restaurant Vodenica Mulino. This is a cozy place where fresh meat, fish, classic Macedon and snack dishes are offered.
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Hotels in Macedonia
Every year becomes increasingly popular, so we recommend in advance to take care of an urgent housing issue. Throughout the country there are various star from simple hostels, where you can rent a bed, to representation apartments.
For example, the popular family tourists Hotel Villa Mesokastro 4 * is designed only 14 cozy comfortable rooms with balconies and views of Lake Orchids, bicycle rental services and boats, Internet services are provided. Always high-quality service and an excellent restaurant. And in the capital of Skopje not far from the center famous hotel Hotel. Monaco Skopje 3 *, designed for 11 rooms. For guests is working good barBreakfast is served in the room, invisible service, there is a car rental.
For independent travelers In Macedonia, the service provision of camping is well developed. The most popular temporary camp is Camping "Autocamp Gradiste" in the area of \u200b\u200bOhrid Lake. You can live in your tent or remove a small tourist house. In addition, modern campgrounds provide telephone services, the Internet and even saunas.
ShoppingMacedonia is one of the distant countries of the European Union for purchases, enough here are fixed. low prices relatively neighboring countries (often at 40-50%). In big cities there are many different souvenir shops and craft shops, so the question will be in front of you ,. The most, perhaps, the popular purchases from foreigners are considered "Opansi" - national leather shoes with a bent upside down.
Macedonians manually make amazing wooden paintings: this is also an expensive acquisition, but very durable and practical. A rare gift is the freshwater Ohrid pearls and products from it, but, alas, to accurately determine that this is not a fake, you can never. As a rule, the shops of the Republic of Macedonia are open to buyers from 8:00 am and up to eight in the evening, on Saturday usually until 15.00. Sunday is universally considered a day off.
On the territory of the Little Macedonia there are two international - in the capital of Skopje and tourist center Ohrid, all flights serve two airlines. Due to the small area of \u200b\u200bthe country of internal flights to the country, there is a well-developed bus service.
Bus transportation relative to inexpensive and connect all big cities between themselves. If you are used to planning a vacation and all movements in advance, we recommend to take care and bus tickets. This is a very popular type of transport from both the local population and most visits.
Urban transport large cities – route busesBut the fleet is quite outdated compared to long-distance routes. In addition, the cities are well developed a taxi work, and several large companies provide cars for rent.
Do you need a visa to Macedonia?
Until March 15, 2016, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan lightweight. Those. In order to visit relatives or traveling as a tourist, the design is not required, provided if the visit does not exceed 90 days per half. In this case, you do not need to provide invitations, evidence of hotel armor and other mandatory documents, only passport and medical insurance. For residents of Ukraine, a visa-free regime is valid until 2018.
If you are going for a period of more than 90 days for a period, it is necessary to make a visa at the Embassy of Macedonia. The current Schengen visa also allows you to enter the country without registration of a separate Macedonian visa, but in this case a one-time stay must be no more than 15 days, and the total period of visits to the country is not more than 90 days in six months.
How to get to Macedonia?
Macedonia from most countries in Europe, Russia, Ukraine and CIS countries it is more convenient to get on the plane direct flight or with a transfer to Belgrade further to the airport in Skopje or Ohrid. No direct flights from Moscow, but besides Belgrade there are connecting flights through Rome, Vienna, Dubai, earlier, via Istanbul.
Railway journey can only be planned if you are not limited in time. This pleasure is not cheap, and each year international destinations Little is canceled. Today there are two main routes: Moscow - Budapest - Belgrade - Skopje or Kiev - Sofia - Niche - Skopje. From Greece and Serbia there are direct directions to Macedonia, the train schedule must be clarified by the operator.
The emergence of Macedonia
In the prehistoric period, Macedonia was a territory, through which carriers of neolithic crops penetrated into Europe from Asia (for more details, see Prehistoric Greece). At the end of the Bronze Age, various Indo-European tribes invade Macedonia from the north, part of which is heading further to Malny Asia, and part of Greece.
The word "Macedonia" comes from the Greek "μακεδνός ( makednós.) ", Which means" high ".
The first Macedonian state was founded in the VIII century BC. e. or early VII century BC. e. Greek Dynasty of Argead - Migrants from South greek city Argos (hence the name - Argeada), who prevail their origin to Hercules. The first king of Macedonia - Perdikka I (at later data - Karan).
Early kingdom
The mythical founder of the Macedonian state was called the caran, identified with the son of the Argos Tsar Thamne Archela. According to Justin, the Persei passed to the last king of Macedonia, 924, which makes dawn the Board of Karaan XI century BC. e.
Alexander actively used cultural Heritage Caveed powers, but at the same time acquainted the conquered peoples with the culture of Greece and encouraged the study of Greek sciences. And although the newly formed empire broke up shortly after the death of Alexander, her legacy was preserved and allowed the conquered peoples to join the era of Hellenism. The population of the Hellenistic Asian countries is even in II century. n. e. Massed more than a quarter of the population of the Earth. The Greek Koine for more than millennium was the language of international communication of most countries of the world.
In 330 BC e. The commander of Alexander Macedonian Zopyrion made a campaign in Scythia, as a result of which his thirty thousandths were defeated.
Sunset Kingdom
Language
The language of Macedonian, used before the beginning of the V century BC. e. And reserved in some areas for several centuries of our era, reached us less than a hundred short records made by Hesichy Alexandria in the V century. This language was pretty close to Greek, being his dialect. The ancient Aedonian language experienced the influence of Doric Greek, and with the beginning of a rapid cultural development and close interaction with other states of ELDA difference in the languages \u200b\u200bbegan to decline. Due to the extremely scarce linguistic material, many points of view appeared on the origin of the ancient-paned language. Most often, it is considered as:
- the dialect of the Greek language with elements of the Illyrian;
- the dialect of the Greek language with elements of Illyrian and Thracian;
- the dialect of the Greek language with the elements of the language is not an Indo-European group;
- the dialect of the Illyrian language with the elements of Greek;
- independent Indo-European language, Radial Greek, Thracian and Frigiansky.
Origin
The legendary Alexander the Great, King of the Macedonian Kingdom, forever made the word "Macedonia" in world history. Now Macedonia is not as big as in the days of the Empire Alexander the Great, but, nevertheless, its very name speaks about big story of this country. Let even Greece disputes the right of Macedonia to wear such a name ... Modern Macedonia surprises tourists with its nature, mountains, lakes, and culture. There are several thermal and ski resorts in this Balkan country.
Geography of Macedonia
Macedonia is located in the center of the Balkan Peninsula, in Southeast Europe. In East, Macedonia borders Bulgaria, in the north - with Serbia, in the north-west - with Kosovo, in the south - with Greece, and in the West - with Albania. The total area of \u200b\u200bthis Balkan country is 25,333 square meters. km, and the total length state border - 748 km.
Macedonia is located in the Varcar River Valley, and though most of this country are occupied by mountains (Skopsk-Tsbn-Mountain, Pind and Pirin). SAMI high top Macedonia is a mountain ship whose height reaches 2764 m. In general, there are 16 mountains in this country, more than 2,000 meters high.
Self large lakes In Macedonia - Ohrid, Prespa and Doyransky.
Capital
The capital of Macedonia - Skopje, in which more than 870 thousand people now live. Archaeologists believe that the first settlement of people in the territory of modern Skopje appeared in the third century BC.
Official language
In Macedonia, the official language is Macedonian (it refers to the eastern subgroup of South Slavic languages).
Religion
About 67% of the population of Macedonia is Orthodox Christians (Macedonian Orthodox Church). About 15% of Macedonians - Muslim Sunnis.
State device
According to the 1991 Constitution, Macedonia is the Parliamentary Republic. The head of state is the president elected for 5 years.
Legislative authority belongs to the one-year Parliament - a meeting (120 deputies).
Climate and weather
In Macedonia, the climate is transitional from the Mediterranean to continental. Summer in this Balkan country is roast and dry, and winter is not very cold. In Macedonia, three climatic zones are distinguished - moderately Mediterranean, mountain and moderately continental.
The tallest average temperature The air in Macedonia is observed in July and August - + 31c, and the lowest is in January and February (-3c).
Rivers and lakes
In Macedonia there are about 50 lakes. The biggest ones are Ohrid, Prespa and Doyransky. By the way, Ohrid Lake in 1980 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
As for the Rivers of Macedonia, the Wardar River, the length of which is 388 km flows throughout the territory of this country.
History
In antiquity on the territory of modern Macedonia, Thracian and Illyrian tribes lived.
356 BC Philip II Macedonian expands the Macedonian kingdom, capturing adjacent land. The peak of his greatness Macedonian kingdom reached the Great at Alexander.
During the early Middle Ages, Macedonia was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire and the Bulgarian kingdom. At the beginning of the XIV century, Macedonia became part of the Serbian state, and then the Ottoman Empire won this country. Macedonia was part of the composition of the Ottoman Empire for a whole five centuries.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Macedonia belonged to Serbia, Greece and Bulgaria. Then Macedonia, called the Warcry Banovina, was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
After World War II, Macedonia became one of the republics in Socialist Yugoslavia.
Macedonia has become independent in 1991. In 1993, Macedonia was adopted in the UN.
Culture
In all Macedonian cities and villages, residents carefully retain their folk traditions. The sample of this is medieval city Krayvo, where the traditions of Macedonians are probably pronounced most brightly.
Made of Macedontsev's most popular holidays New Year, Orthodox Christmas, Gelon, Independence Day, and Ramazan Bayram.
Kitchen Macedonia
Macedonian cuisine has absorbed many culinary traditions of the Balkans. Greek, Turkish, Middle Eastern and Hungarian culinary traditions were noticeable to Macedonian cuisine. Macedonians almost every day eat Shopska Salad (shop salad) - sliced \u200b\u200btomatoes, cucumbers, onions and cheese.
In Macedonia, a great wine is made, which is no worse than in Greece. Other traditional Macedonian alcoholic beverages - Rakia and Liquor "Masty".
Sights of Macedonia
Ancient Macedonia will cause great interest from any inquisitive tourist. There are many interesting attractions in this country. The top ten of the best Macedonian attractions, in our opinion, are the following:
Cities and resorts
Self big cities Macedonia - Bitola, Kumanovo, Plip, and, of course, the capital - Skopje.
Macedonia can be called a mountain country, so it is not surprising that there is ski resorts. The most popular of them - Kruzhevo, Mavrovo, Kozof, and Popova Cap.
In Macedonia, there are many thermal sources, the Turks of the Ottoman Empire period also knew about their healing properties, which were built on their places Bani. Now in Macedon thermal sources, there are excellent spa resorts - Banište, Banja Bansko, Katlanovo, Kežovica, Kosovrasti, Istibanja, Banja Kočani.
Souvenirs / Shopping
Place of the Macedonia (Capital -, Area 25713 sq. Km) - Balkan Peninsula (South-East of Europe). From the south side it borders with it, with the North - and the Republic of Kosovo, from Eastern -, with Western. Most of the country is occupied by the mountain systems of Shar-Planina, Pirin, Skopsk-TsRNA Mountain and Pind, and higher point is the 2700-meter mountain ship.
Macedonia consists of 84 communities (Kumanovo, Ilinden, Lipkovo, Arachinovo, Valandon, Cumber, Doyuran, Zaeas, Debarz, Gradsko, and others).
How to get to Macedonia?
Stopping on the route - Skopje, will stop at the airbrocers (in the capital of Macedonia, it will be possible to be 8.5 hours after the start of the air travel), and (11.5 hours spent on the air travel) or (the ride duration will be 8 hours ).
Depending on where stops will be performed and how much they will last, during the flight Moscow - Ohrid, passengers will spend 13-20 hours on the way. Those who do not mind to issue a Greek visa can fly to Macedonia through: from there to Ohrid or Skopje, train or plane will take them.
Rest in Macedonia
Holidays should not be dedicated to the attention of Skopje (famous shopping center Ramstore, Monument to Skandderberg, Fortress Calais, Stone Bridge, Aged 15th centuries, 66-meter Millennium Cross, inside of which an elevator is installed to deliver everyone to the top, for admirement from the height of the Macedonian capital), (vacationers waiting for dinner in the Macedonian style in the restaurant "Belvedere ", The light-music fountain (the show starts at 21:00), inspection of the 30-meter time tower of the 17th century, municipal buildings and private mansions of the 18-19 centuries), Ohrid (tourists offer to relax on the beaches, with a length of 30 km, where it is best to swim in May-September; to inspect the church of the Holy Clement, the monastery of St. Nauma, Church of John Kaneo, Ruins of the Ancient Roman Theater; take part in the celebration of the Festival of the Balkan Folklore and the Summer Dramatic Festival), Koleshinsky Waterfall (his stream rushes down from the 19-meter height), national Park Galticiza (here you can see more than 1000 species of plants, visit any of the villages in the park 14, make rise to the 2250-meter peak Magaro).
Beaches of Macedonia
Despite the fact that Macedonia has no way out to the sea beach rest Here is possible on the shores of the lakes:
- beaches of Ohrid Lake: on local sandy beaches In the season, it will be possible to jump on the tarzanka and ride on catamarans. Due to the common occasion in the water, they are suitable for pastime with children.
- the beaches of Lake Preda: It is worth admiring the landscapes and go to a boat cruise, renting them in a sleeve or village of Konsko. In the fall (until the end of October), they should come here for the sake of arranging fruit festivals and harvest holidays.
- the beaches of the Doyrans lake: there will be lucky there to spend time on white sand and ride along the water stroit on the boat. Those who wish will be able to stay in 3-star hotels or inexpensive campsites.
Souvenirs from Macedonia
Macedonian souvenirs are gifts in the form of leather shoes, Ohrid pearls, silver, gold and jewelry of copper, wooden boxes, ceramics (candlesticks, tea and dining room.), Icons, products with national embroidery.
