Along the Marko’s River, behind the southern slopes of Mount Vodno, one of the oldest monastery complex in the region of Skopje can be found. The inside of the church is dedicated to St. Dimitrie and was built in 14th century. According to the 
written sign on the main entrance, it is recognized that King Volkasin commenced the construction and his son King Marko, whom it was named after, finished it.
The frescoes were painted in 1376 by many different skillful artists. Inside the church there are paintings where “King Marko” is presented in all his dignity as well as the curved metallic horn that is decorated with ornaments and pearls which advanced the new dynasty.
The monastery has escaped the fate of many other religious buildings that were destroyed durning the Ottoman reign. It played an important part in history, especially in the Macedonian literature renaissance. In the 19th century, Kiril Pejcinovic was inviting young people to the monastery and using it as a place to teach reading and writing. In 1816, while he was living there, he wrote the book Mirror (Ogledalo), that was one of the more crucial books in the development of macedonian literacy.
An interesting fact about this monastery is that the shrine was built by Hamzi-Pasha, who was a Muslim. According to legend, he saw a Saint in his dream who asked him to help with the building process of the Monastery.
The church, St.Dimitirie, was built from brick, stone, and fine ornaments (very impressive in the area of the altar apse and the external niches).
The surrounding area is one of the best in Skopje for picnicking. The nature is beautiful along the river, making it an excellent location away from rest from the city. It is also very easy to get to. It will take you around half hour to get there from Skopje’s center.
Location: 18km from Skopje, near the village Susica, south west direction
Accessibility: Asphalt road leads to the monastery
Accommodation: No possibility
Nearby attractions : picturesque old villages mixed with modern weekend settlements
Monastery highlights: the stone iconostasis, church frescos, the church architecture
Getting by taxi:400 denarsMa
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