Kokino, Kuklica and Konjuh from Skopje Kokino and Kuklica from Skopje
ID: GYG598488-1010879
Category:
Country: North Macedonia
Duration:
07:00 hours
Description
Kokino is a Bronze Age archaeological site, "megalithic observatory", the oldest archaeological finds date from about the 19th century BC, corresponding to the early European Bronze Age.
A tour of megalithic observatory, a fallen ancient town, a stone town and fantastic sightseeing.
After the pickup from your hotel/ apartment we shall head to Kokino (about 1 hour drive), a Bronze Age archaeological site, where the oldest archaeological finds date from about the 19th century BC, corresponding to the early European Bronze Age. This unusual place served as a "megalithic observatory and sacred site" for the ancient people. The site includes special stone markers used to track the movement of the Sun and Moon on the eastern horizon. The observatory used the method of stationary observation, marking positions of the Sun at the winter and summer solstice, as well as the equinox. Four stone seats or "thrones" are placed in a row on the lower platform.
From here we shall visit the The Church of St. George in the village Nagoricane. The church was built by medieval Serbian king Stefan Milutin, and is noteworthy both for its architecture and its frescoes. It is considered a 14th-century masterpiece of the palaiologan time and a key example of Christian heritage in this area. The cross-in-square church is complemented by a narthex, while the bema and naos are divided by a stony iconostasis.
It is also very famous for its frescoes. The style of the frescos is that of the Palaiologan Renaissance, which came up in the 13th century and is characterised by the revival of ancient forms with iconographic innovations. The church contains a series of images of saints and feasts presented in the order in which they are celebrated during the year.
From here we will head to Konjuh. The archaeological site of Golemo Gradiste at Konjuh is a rare example of a city founded in the late 5th or early 6th century in the province of Dardania within the Eastern Roman Empire. Situated on a high and elongated acropolis; a broad, gently sloping terrace between the northern foot of the acropolis and the Kriva River; and a narrow area at the south foot of the acropolis, the city represents the late phase of Roman urbanism. The site is also famous for the numerous chambers cut in the rock, found on the southwestern side of the hill. It is believed that they served as cells for monks in the past. Konjuh is the largest and so far best investigated town from the 6th century AD in the north-eastern part of the country.
From here we will go to Kuklica. The stone town of Kuklica is an area consisting of over 120 naturally formed stone pillars, located in the village Kuklica. The legend says that of a man who could not decide which of two women he should marry. So, the man planned to marry each woman on the same day at different times. When the first wedding was in progress, the woman to marry the man second went to see who was getting married on the same day as she. When she saw her future husband marrying another woman, she cursed all in attendance at the wedding and turned them into stone.
Between the location there will be snacks and water, and afterwards, great lunch.
Highlights
- Kokino, "megalithic observatory" from the 19th century BC
- Staro Nagoricane, a village known for its 11th century Church of St. Georg
- Zebrnjak, a war memorial commemorate, remembers the Serbian Army from the WW1
- Konjuh, archaeological site, founded in the late 5th c. in the province Dardania
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The customers will be picked up where they stay at, and then brought back to the same place, or if they want I can bring them where they need to go,
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.