Bigorski Monastery of “St. John the Baptist”

At 2 km from the village of Rostushe, Debar, at an altitude of 740 meters, rises the monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski. Placed in the impressive limestone rocks along the canyon valley of the Radika River, in the embrace of the lush forests on the northwestern slopes of Mount Bistra, this largest spiritual temple in Macedonia is visited by numerous worshipers and tourists on daily basis.

The beginnings of its construction date back to the 11th century. Today, the monastery complex consists of: church, ossuary, the so called, defense tower, complex monastery and guest quarters, which offer an opportunity for each of the visitors, under certain conditions, to stay longer and enjoy the wonderful sunsets of this divine landscape.

At present, the monastery houses the largest monastic brotherhood in this region.