Never Enough Statues

A monument worth visiting is Zebrnjak, commemorating the Battle of Kumanovo, which took place in 1912. Fought by Serb soldiers, the battle is considered a turning point in efforts to push the Ottoman Empire out of the Balkans. The monument was paid for by Serbs in honour of their fallen compatriots and built in 1937. The tower’s history was short – it was blown up by the Axis Bulgarian army in May 1942 during World War 2. Originally 48m high, it is now 18.5m.  But don't be fooled. It's much bigger inside than it looks from the outside. Free to visit, it is worth an hour of your time. Inside is a mini warren of small rooms that tell the story of the Battle of Kumanovo, with photos of key figures in the battle, a model of how the tower originally looked and downstairs, an Ossuary. The various rooms leading off the central area Stairs leading up to the model of the tower. The room includes images of it being built and after it was blow up by the Bulgarian army One of the roo...

We’ll never tire of visiting Matka Canyon in Macedonia. Sure it’s become a tourist trap, but for good reason. With the Treska River running through it, the damn at one end, several monasteries and stunning scenery, we’ve been there on each trip. A great hike is to cross the river using the walking bridge at road level (near the car park) and and follow the trail up one side of the canyon that leads to  Sveti Nikola Shishevski at the top, a 14th century monastery that has been updated over the centuries and makes for great photos. The only downside is for all the times we've been up here, it's been closed as often as it is open. So it's hit and miss on if you'll see the al frescos inside.  Sveti Nikola Shishevski at the top of Matka Canyon, Macedonia, July 2021.... ....And Sveti Nikola Shishevski in June 1996 - look at the difference in the trees Inside Sveti Nikola Shishevski, July 2017 Inside Sveti Nikola Shishevski, July 2017 An experienced, fit hiker can reach the...