The tower remains
High walls above the city.
This illustration was made by Rašo. An email to Rašo would be appreciated too. — CC BY-SA 3.0 · This illustration was made by Rašo. An email to Rašo would be appreciated too. — CC BY-SA 3.0 · This illustration was made by Rašo. An email to Rašo would be appreciated too. — CC BY-SA 3.0 · This illustration was made by Rašo. An email to Rašo would be appreciated too. — CC BY-SA 3.0 · This illustration was made by Rašo. An email to Rašo would be appreciated too. — CC BY-SA 3.0
Isar Fortress is a medieval stronghold on a rocky hill rising about 150 m above the city of Štip in eastern North Macedonia. It dominates the city, known as «the town under the Isar», and visitors come for the wide views over the houses and the Bregalnica River. The fortress is thought to have been built in the early Middle Ages to protect the town at its foot, known in antiquity as Astibos. It came within Samuel's state, later changed hands, and like most fortresses in the region was abandoned after firearms appeared. Pieces of white Roman marble sit among its stones, apparently brought from the old city. The top is an uneven plateau about 200 m long, enclosed by the remains of a wall and defensive towers, with high sections standing in places. To the west the hill falls away to the Bregalnica, and to the south to the Otinja. A large modern cross and a communications mast also stand on top, visible across the city. Stone steps and paths start from the edge of town, so bring suitable shoes and water, as the site is exposed, especially in hot summers. The finest time to climb is before sunset. It is 38 km in a straight line from Kratovo and 37 km from Demir Kapija Canyon. Take care near the edges, as the remains are unfenced in many places.
High walls above the city.
The river curving below.
About 200 m long.
Isar Hill, west of Štip
The steps and paths are fairly short but steep, so bring good shoes and water.
A large modern cross visible across the city. The fortress itself is medieval.