Lesok Monastery
Polog Region
Lesok Monastery is an Orthodox Christian monastery located near the village of Lešok in the Polog region of North Macedonia, close to the Kosovo border. Situated at 638 meters above sea level on the southeastern slopes of the Šar Planina mountain, the monastery complex includes the churches of St. Athanasius of Alexandria and the Holy Mother of God. The monastery evolved from an earlier medieval monastic complex dating back to the reign of Serbian king Stefan Uroš II Milutin (1282–1321). It became the episcopal seat of the Bishop of Lower Polog under the jurisdiction of the Prizren Metropolitanate in the 14th century. Despite limited historical records during the Ottoman period, the monastery holds significant cultural and religious importance, including being the burial site of Bulgarian cleric and enlightener Kiril Peychinovich. The complex was damaged during the 2001 Macedonian Insurgency but has since been restored, with dormitories now hosting summer tourists. Today, it remains a vital spiritual and cultural landmark in the region, hosting events such as the International Meeting of Literary Translators.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during the warmer months when the monastery dormitories are open for accommodation. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the historical and cultural context. Tickets or donations may be required for entry or special events. The monastery is accessible via local roads from Tetovo and nearby villages, and respectful attire is recommended when visiting the churches.
Interesting facts
- •The monastery is located at 638 meters above sea level on the southeastern side of Šar Planina mountain.
- •It served as the episcopal seat of the Bishop of Lower Polog in the 14th century.
- •The tomb of Kiril Peychinovich, a notable Bulgarian cleric and writer born in 1770, is located in the monastery yard.
- •The monastery hosts an International Meeting of Literary Translators honoring Kiril Peychinovich.
- •In 2001, the monastery was destroyed by an explosive device during the Macedonian Insurgency shortly after the Ohrid Agreement.
History
The origins of Lesok Monastery trace back to a smaller medieval monastic complex likely constructed during the reign of Serbian king Stefan Uroš II Milutin in the late 13th to early 14th century.
By the mid-14th century, it became the episcopal seat of the newly established Lower Polog Diocese, under the Prizren Metropolitanate.
The monastery experienced a period of obscurity during the Ottoman rule with scarce historical documentation until the 19th century when disputes arose over its ownership between Bulgarian and Serbian churches.
In 1898, the abbot Ezekiel, who identified as Macedonian, was murdered amid these tensions.
The church of St.
Athanasius was added in 1924.
The monastery suffered destruction during the 2001 Macedonian Insurgency but was later restored.
Place Guide
Church of the Holy Mother of God14th century
The original church within the monastery complex, dating back to the medieval period, serving as the spiritual heart of the monastery.
Church of St. Athanasius of Alexandria1924
Built in 1924 next to the Church of the Holy Mother of God, this church complements the spiritual and architectural ensemble of the monastery.
Tomb of Kiril Peychinovich18th century
The burial site of the Bulgarian cleric, writer, and enlightener Kiril Peychinovich (1770–1845), located in the monastery yard, commemorating his cultural legacy.
Contact
Phone: 044 383 000
