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Church of Saint Athanasius

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Church of Saint Athanasius (North Macedonia)

Weather…

The Church of Saint Athanasius, located within the historic Leshok Monastery complex on the slopes of the Shar Mountains, stands as a resilient symbol of Orthodox Christianity and cultural heritage in North Macedonia. While the site has roots dating back to the 14th century with the original old church, the structure seen today was constructed between 1924 and 1937, showcasing a blend of Byzantine and medieval Balkan architectural traditions. The church became a focal point of international concern in 2001 when it was blown up during a period of armed conflict, leading to the near-total destruction of its physical fabric. Its subsequent reconstruction, completed in 2007 with the aid of European Union funding, utilized original materials and traditional masonry techniques, marking it as a beacon of cultural revival. The monastery grounds are also significant for housing the remains of Kiril Pejčinović, a 19th-century educator and author who played a crucial role in the development of regional literature and printing. Visitors to the church can examine the craftsmanship of the rebuilt dome and the interior icons, while observing the panoramic extension of the Polog Valley and the city of Tetovo located 8 kilometers away.

Location: North Macedonia
Nearby: Negorci Spa (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	4	8	13	18	24	27	27	21	15	9	4
Rain mm	52	45	53	51	59	53	38	37	52	59	53	66

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Church of Saint Athanasius is an active Orthodox church that is open to visitors and can be visited for free. The interior is accessible, but silence should be observed during services.

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Typical hours

The church is usually open during the day, often from morning until late afternoon. Exact times may vary depending on services and season.

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Photography

Photography inside is often allowed, but without flash, to protect the icons and frescoes. The exterior facade with its architecture is also suitable for photos.

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Time needed

For visiting the church and a short walk around the building, you should allow about 20 to 30 minutes. If you want to admire the details of the icons, you can stay longer.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Bogdanci Wind Park or to Lake Dojran. The town of Bogdanci itself also features some sights.

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Getting there

The church is located in the center of Bogdanci and is easily accessible on foot. Parking is available on the surrounding streets or on the outskirts of town.

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Insider tip

Visit the church in the morning when the light streams through the windows and illuminates the icons. Dress appropriately as it is an active place of worship.

Geography

Coordinates

41.20310, 22.57500

Facts

The current church building was constructed over a 13-year period starting in 1924.
A devastating explosion in 2001 destroyed 90 percent of the church structure.
The reconstruction project was part of a broader peace and stability initiative in 2007.
Leshok Monastery is situated 8 kilometers north of the regional center of Tetovo.
Kiril Pejčinović served as the abbot of the monastery during the early 19th century.
The site includes a secondary older church dedicated to the Virgin Mary from 1335.