Around Vojnik are archaeological sites with different historical connections: an Iron Age and medieval necropolis south of the town, and a Roman settlement and necropolis to the north. Each site is about 500 metres from Vojnik. Their different locations and periods give the surrounding area a multilayered archaeological profile.
Archaeological Traces Around Vojnik
About 500 metres south of Vojnik, the present-day cemeteries are located on a levelled, raised terrace on the left bank above the riverbed of the Pčinja. An Iron Age burial mound and a medieval necropolis were situated there. The description thus connects a specific spot in the landscape with two distinct historical periods.
Petrikovo, a Roman-era settlement and necropolis, lies north of Vojnik, also about 500 metres away. It is in the area around the Makreški Bridge over the Petrošnica. Two grave stelae were found there: one bears a Latin inscription from the 2nd century, the other a Greek inscription. The different inscription languages and the date of the Latin stele are specific details of this site.
In the south, the Iron Age and medieval necropolises are the main features; in the north, the Roman settlement site and grave stelae define the area. This makes it possible to distinguish Vojnik’s archaeological points of interest by location and period, without treating them as a single site.
Cultural Themes in the Wider Destination of Staro Nagorichane
The wider destination of Staro Nagorichane offers additional, distinct cultural themes. Kokino combines a striking elevation with an astronomical interpretation: the ancient observatory is situated on the rocky hill of Tatichev Kamen at 1,013 metres. Its two platforms are separated by an elevation difference of 19 metres. Markings were used to measure the length of lunar months and create a calendar based on a cycle of 19 lunar years.
Kokino is listed as a cultural property on North Macedonia’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. This status is distinct from inclusion on the World Heritage List. To get there, an asphalt road leads towards the observatory; the final 500 metres are covered on foot. Check road conditions before setting out.
Churches, Art and Memorial Sites
The Church of St George in Staro Nagorichane offers a different historical focus. It was renovated in 1313 by the Serbian king Stefan II. Its frescoes date from 1318 and were created by the Thessalonian painters Mihailo Astrapa and Evtihij. The two dates refer to different events: the renovation of the church and the creation of the frescoes.
The Church of St Petka in Mlado Nagorichane can also be identified by its distinctive architectural features. It has no eastern apse, a feature considered unique in Žegligovo. Its frescoes and architecture were conserved in 2003. At Karpino Monastery in Suv Orah, the church dates from 1592. The monastery was also an important cultural and literary centre with an extensive library.
The Zebrnjak ossuary monument in Mlado Nagorichane offers another perspective on history. It commemorates the victims of the First Balkan War who died in 1912 at the site of the Battle of Kumanovo. The monument was built from grey basalt in 1937 and is considered architecturally unique in the Balkans.
The ASNOM Memorial Centre in Pelince combines a museum with a place of remembrance. It includes a replica of the room in Prohor Pcinjski Monastery where the first ASNOM session took place, as well as a memorial room with documents on the creation of the Macedonian state. Together with the archaeological sites near Vojnik, these examples show how varied the historical themes are across the wider destination of Staro Nagorichane.
For the wider travel overview: Staro Nagorichane.
