Chashka: Mountains, River and History

The highest peak in the Jakupica Mountains is Solunska Glava; within the Municipality of Čaška, it reaches 2,539 metres. The Cheples mountain hut is located at 1,435 metres in the mountains, near the peak. The Babuna shapes the municipality’s landscape, and its waterfalls are located at the river’s source. Other places that add to the municipality’s cultural character include Bogomila, Oreshe and the area near the settlement of Čaška.

Two different elevations in the Jakupica Mountains are associated with Solunska Glava and Cheples: the peak reaches 2,539 metres, while the mountain hut is at 1,435 metres. Cheples is located near the peak. If you are especially interested in mountain scenery, you can take this part of the area’s profile into account when choosing a destination.

The Babuna is also a defining feature of the landscape. Waterfalls about 15 metres high are located at its source. The river and waterfalls offer different perspectives on the municipality’s nature: the Babuna is one of the rivers that shape the landscape, while the waterfalls are a specific place at its source. This makes it possible to consider the high-altitude scenery of the Jakupica Mountains and the river landscape as distinct themes when planning your trip.

The archaeological site of Mramor lies near the settlement of Čaška. A 6,000-year-old spherical flute was found there. The find points to the site’s long history. Those interested in early history will find a cultural point of interest here alongside the municipality’s buildings and fortification remains.

At the entrance to Bogomila, by the Babuna, stands a stone bridge from the Ottoman period. Visible remains of a Late Antique fortification survive at Banjichko Kale; the walls are about 150 metres long. Banjichko Kale is both an archaeological site and a natural monument in the Municipality of Čaška. These different features together make the site interesting to travellers who want to take in historical traces and the landscape at the same time.

Oreshe also has several cultural sites of its own: the churches of Sv. Bogoroditca and Sv. Petka are in the village. The monastery complex of Sv. Gjorgija is also located in the mountains above the village.

Depending on the weather, Kompirijada takes place in Gorno Jabolchishte every year in October or November. At the event, local producers can offer potatoes, sheep’s cheese, apples and quinces to visitors and guests. The event is therefore associated with agricultural produce and local foods. As its timing depends on the weather, the month is not the same every year.

Another local initiative is the healthy food fair, founded in 2006 by OOU Petre Pop Arsov in Bogomila. The children’s art colony was first established in 2008. Together with the historic sites, these events show that Chashka’s character is shaped not only by nature but also by local cultural activities.

The Municipality of Čaška brings together nature, adventure, a rural atmosphere and local traditions. To get a first impression, you can compare your interests: Solunska Glava and the waterfalls represent different aspects of nature, while Mramor, Banjichko Kale and the buildings in Bogomila and Oreshe offer historical and cultural points of interest. Damjanica Cave is considered particularly interesting for cave explorers.

You can also explore the subregion of Omorani; for comparison with other destination pages, see Radovish, Resen, Dojran, Bogovinje, Shtip, Veles and Struga.

How high is Solunska Glava?

Solunska Glava is the highest peak in the Jakupica Mountains and reaches 2,539 metres within the Municipality of Čaška.

When does Kompirijada take place?

Depending on the weather, it takes place every year in October or November in Gorno Jabolchishte.

What can you see at Banjichko Kale?

Remains of a Late Antique fortification with walls about 150 metres long survive there. Banjichko Kale is an archaeological site and a natural monument.

For the broader travel overview: Macedonia.