Discover Macedonia: 11 Fascinating and Entertaining Facts You Never Knew!

1. Kasta Tomb: The Exclusive Archaeological Treat

Legend has it that if you listen closely to the whispers of ancient Macedonian spirits, they'll make you an archaeological offer you can't refuse: Forget gourmet coffee shops and galleries, the Kasta Tomb – the largest burial monument ever discovered in Greece – offers a one-of-a-kind, partially open experience to small groups free of charge until June, when it temporarily closes for further restoration. You'll need an appointment, a companion in the form of a guard or archaeologist, and a sense of adventure as you explore Macedonia's pièce de résistance, set to fully open for public consumption and caffeination in 2027.
Source => news.gtp.gr

2. Galička Svadba: The Macedonian Wedding of the Year

Forget Vegas, Macedonia's got the ultimate wedding extravaganza: Every year in the village of Galičnik, a much-awaited traditional wedding festival called "Galička svadba" takes place, celebrating Macedonian customs in a two-day event. Centered around a single couple's Galička style wedding - selected via a competition - the festivity showcases the poignant Teškoto dance, symbolizing the heart-wrenching farewells of locals migrating for work. So mark your calendars for the weekend closest to St. Peter and Paul's Day (12 July) and join the matrimonial jamboree!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Discover the fragrant world of Bulgaria's Rose Valley, where roses turn into oil for France's perfumes! Experience the colorful Rose Festival in the town of Kazanlak and let your senses be captivated. 🌹🇧🇬✨

=> Fun Facts about Bulgaria

3. Stobi: Ancient Macedonia's Coin Factory

Forget the ATM, ancient Macedonia had its own coin factory: Stobi, the capital of a Roman province, not only minted its own money but was also a thriving hub for agriculture and trade, thanks to its enviable position at the confluence of two rivers and near the main road linking the Danube and the Aegean Sea - making it the ultimate "ancient hotspot" for the history buffs among us.
Source => discoveringmacedonia.com

4. North Macedonia: A Game of Kingdoms and Struggles

In a land before time, with political dramas that make Game of Thrones look like a picnic: North Macedonia was once part of the ancient kingdom of Macedon located in modern-day Greece, underwent numerous raids and migrations, ruled by various provinces and kingdoms, occupied during WWII, and finally became part of Yugoslavia before settling the infamous naming dispute with Greece in 2019.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Old Bazaar: Westeros Meets Flea Market

Imagine if Westeros hosted a flea market: Welcome to Skopje's Old Bazaar! This charming maze of ancient wonders dates back to the 15th century and could make the Iron Throne yield. The serious reveal: Skopje's Old Bazaar encompasses a vibrant assortment of shops, food stalls, historical monuments like mosques, churches, and a 16th-century Turkish bath house – all nestled among its cobbled streets, making it a fascinating trip back in time for visitors and a testament to Macedonia's rich culture and heritage.
Source => hotelarka.mk

6. Pella: The Pipe-Wielding Poseidon of Ancient Cities

In a world where plumbing is often taken for granted, ancient Macedonia was like the pipe-wielding Poseidon of yesteryears: Pella, the ancient capital of the Macedonian Kingdom, had a sophisticated piped water supply system connected to individual households and waste-water disposal, making it one of the earliest urban centers with such modern amenities.
Source => heritagedaily.com

7. Mountains and Lakes: North Macedonia's Natural Splendor

If Switzerland wants to take a hike, North Macedonia won't let them take the high ground: North Macedonia has 85.5% of its area covered in mountains - even more than Switzerland - with 34 peaks soaring over 2,000 meters above sea level. Not only that, but they've also got a "lake of legends" - the 4 million-year-old Ohrid Lake, proudly harboring 200 species that refuse to exist anywhere else.
Source => globotreks.com

8. Pelister National Park: Nature's Playground and Trout Sanctuary

In a land where wolf-pack networking events and five-needle speed dating are the norm, there's a magical place where the Macedonian Pelagonia trout never needs to worry about becoming seafood: Pelister National Park, Macedonia's very first national park, boasts over 1050 species of plants, endemic animals, and two mesmerizing mountain lakes, all spread across a whopping 171.5 square kilometers of nature's finest playground.
Source => wikitravel.org

9. Carnival of Vevcani: Satirical Masks vs Authority

Who needs superheroes when you've got satirical masks? In the land of mystical Macedonia, a festival gives the middle finger to authority since ancient times: The Carnival of Vevcani, a centuries-old spectacle, is celebrated on the Julian New Year and features parades of masked villagers poking fun at political and social issues, even earning the village a membership in the prestigious Federation of European Carnival Cities in 1993.
Source => macedoniatravel.com

10. Skopje: Reviving the Ancient World with Extra Sprinkles

In a bold attempt to prove the age-old saying, "you can't have too much of a good thing," Macedonia's capital city Skopje has turned urban renewal into an ancient world impersonation contest with extra sprinkles on top: The centerpiece of this ambitious makeover is a humongous statue of a chiseled "Warrior on a Horse," which suspiciously looks like Alexander the Great's long-lost twin, without officially naming any names, of course.
Source => theguardian.com

11. Tikves Wine District: Dionysus' Macedonian Delight

In a grape escape from the ordinary, Macedonia offers wine o'clock experiences that would make Dionysus himself tipsy with delight: The Tikves Wine District, though not the largest wine region in the country, boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times and is famed for producing exceptional dessert wines from its luscious vineyards.
Source => winetourism.com