Studenichani: Markov Monastery, Markova Reka and Kitka

• Markova Reka rises in the highlands of Jakupica and flows through the municipality of Opština Studeničani in its upper reaches.
• The Markov Monastery complex includes a monastery museum and the fresco “The Lamentation of Rachel,” for which the monastery is known.
• Isar-Kale in the village of Studeničani is an oppidum from the Early Antiquity period.
• The memorial hike to Kitka is organized annually; the route planned for the 2026 edition was around 18 kilometres one way.

Markov Monastery is located in the village of Markova Sušica and is an active sanctuary with a female monastic sisterhood. The community may change. The monastery is known for the fresco “The Lamentation of Rachel”; the paintings in the Church of Saint Dimitri near the village of Markova Sušica are considered a masterpiece of the late Byzantine period. The monastery complex also includes a museum. Check the museum’s current visiting conditions before planning a visit.

Construction of the Church of Saint Dimitri began in 1345 and was completed after the Battle of Maritsa in 1376/77. An inscription above its south entrance records a restoration in 1377. This distinguishes the building history from the later restoration date cited in the inscription. A virtual tour of the church is also available; the associated page was updated on 20 May 2024. If interested, check whether the tour is currently accessible. Markov Monastery’s patron saint’s day is celebrated on 8 November, Mitrovden.

Markova Reka rises in the highlands of Jakupica. In its upper reaches, it flows through the municipality of Opština Studeničani; it also runs along the slopes of the Mokra Mountains and past Markov Monastery.

Early Antiquity also has named points of interest. Isar-Kale in the village of Studeničani is classified as an oppidum from this period. Isar–Studeničani is one of the Early Antiquity sites where the Museum of the City of Skopje has conducted archaeological excavations.

The memorial hike “To Kitka in Memory of Ljupčo Melovski” starts in Gorno Količani in the municipality of Opština Studeničani and passes through a forest belt to the Kitka mountain hut and the summit. The hike is organized annually and is open to anyone interested. For the edition announced for 26 April 2026, a route of 18 kilometres with about 700 metres of ascent one way was planned. This describes the plan at the time, not evidence that the hike actually took place.

Another dated point of reference is a one-day hiking event on 23 April 2017: the recreational route went from Gorno Količani to the Kitka mountain hut and back, was 8,100 metres long and had an elevation difference of 780 metres. This round trip and the one-way route planned for 2026 are different route details.

The drive also requires separate planning: from Dračevo, an asphalt road passes through Dolno and Gorno Količani and continues into the higher areas of Mount Kitka. There, it continues as a rarely maintained mountain road that can be driven with an off-road vehicle. Check the current road conditions before setting out.

First decide whether you want to focus mainly on the cultural sites, Early Antiquity history or a hike towards Kitka. For hiking plans, factor the route into your own preparations, as well as road conditions if driving into the higher areas.

Learn more about Varvara. Discover more destinations: Skopje, Staro Nagorichane, Valandovo, Negotino, Bogovinje, Municipality of Novo Selo and Debarca.

What is Isar-Kale?

Isar-Kale is an oppidum from the Early Antiquity period in the village of Studeničani.

When does Markov Monastery celebrate its patron saint’s day?

The patron saint’s day is celebrated on 8 November and is called Mitrovden.

What route was given for the 2017 hiking event?

For the one-day event on 23 April 2017, the route was listed as 8,100 metres long, from Gorno Količani to the Kitka mountain hut and back; the elevation difference was 780 metres.

For the broader travel overview: Macedonia.