Between the Bregalnica and Otinja rivers, the archaeological site of Isar-Kale rises 100 to 150 metres above the Bregalnica riverbed. You can get to know Shtip through this site, as well as through its churches and a tradition that brings people up steep Isar every year on 22 March. Archaeological traces, sacred art and a communal ritual thus offer different ways to experience the city.

Isar-Kale and the Traces of the Fortress

The acropolis of Isar preserves four sections of the defensive wall, five towers and a late medieval church. There are also two cisterns and foundation remains of utility and residential buildings. The findings reveal several aspects of the site: fortification, water supply and traces of buildings used for economic or residential purposes. Together, they create a multifaceted picture that goes beyond the defensive wall alone.

The route to the Church of St Michael the Archangel also offers a clear landmark on the hill: follow the path to the fortress to reach this church on its eastern side. Follow the path to the fortress to reach the Church of St Michael the Archangel on the eastern side of the hill.

Churches, Art and City History

The Church of St Nicholas was built on 10 May 1867. Its icon gallery presents visitors with a rich collection of icons and sacred objects. Architectural history and religious art thus come together in one place. Those interested in the decoration of churches will find another notable name in Novo Selo: the Church of St Mary is considered a work by the Macedonian master Andreja Damjanov. Inside is a richly decorated wooden iconostasis.

Another historical attribution is associated with the single-nave Church of St Sava. It is traditionally considered to have been built in 1369 by Voivode Dimitar. This wording preserves the traditional nature of the dating. The Emir-Kučuk-Sultan Bridge is another architectural landmark: built in 1672, it is one of the rare examples of Turkish architecture.

Novo Selo is also home to the VMRO Museum of Štip and the Štip Region (1893–1934). The Archaeological Exhibition is located in the house of the Anevi–Gocevi family and opened in December 2005. The Štip Institute and Museum offers individual and group visits introducing visitors to historical, archaeological and ethnological cultural heritage. These three subject areas offer different perspectives on what visitors can discover at the museum.

Četrse: A Tradition with a Set Date

The Četrse ritual is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In Shtip, it is practised on 22 March, the religious feast of the 40 Martyrs. People of all generations climb steep Isar on this day and greet at least 40 people along the way. The tradition therefore combines an annual calendar date with a specific act: the ascent and the encounters along the route. For travellers interested in living traditions, this date is a special aspect of the city.

Getting There, Springs and Events

Shtip is accessible via the M-5 highway. Regional road R-601 connects Shtip with the Plachkovitsa Mountains. At the Kežovica and L’dži thermomineral springs near Shtip, there is a newly equipped bathhouse with pools, as well as a rehabilitation centre. If you plan to visit this facility, check its current operating status in advance.

Events also add to the cultural picture, each with its own timeframe. The Štip Cultural Summer festival held its 41st edition in 2026. At Pastrmajlijada 2025, visitors could see pastrmajlija prepared on site and sample it on the Vančo Prke promenade. This example describes the specific 2025 edition and shows another side of local event life.

Macedonia in a Broader Context

The broader destination of Macedonia is also home to Sharkova Dupka Cave in Mavrovo National Park, near the village of Mavrovo, and Pelister National Park. The latter has numerous springs, streams and mountain rivers, as well as two glacial lakes. The lakes Golemo and Malo are collectively known as the “Eyes of Pelister.” These natural features broaden the picture of Macedonia as a travel destination.

Discover More Destinations

Štip. Discover more destinations: Bogovinje, Municipality of Jegunovce, Strumica, Vinitsa, Berovo, Resen, Chashka.

Go to the broader travel overview: Macedonia.