Treskavec Monastery

About this place

Treskavec Monastery, also known as St Bogorodica, stands on rocky Mount Zlatovrv, 8 km north of Prilep at 1,260 m. Visitors come for its astonishing setting among granite boulders and the wide view over the Pelagonia plain. Only one monk lives here today. It was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 14th by Serbian kings including Milutin and Dušan. An earthquake in the 15th century damaged many of its wall paintings, and in the mid 16th century Dimitrije Pepić of Kratovo renovated it. At its peak it had about 100 monks. A fire in 2013 destroyed most of the monastery, though the church survived. A domed red brick church looks over a small courtyard, with partly ruined buildings beside it. A stone stair and old gate lead up to it, and the church preserves important Byzantine wall paintings. But the outdoors is the real pleasure, with strange rocks around the monastery that look like animal shapes and the plain spread out beneath. The traditional approach is a steep 8 km path from Prilep, and the government has built a road for easier access, so ask about its condition. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and food, as there are no regular services. Dress modestly at the church, ask before taking pictures inside and check who holds the key before climbing if you want to go in.