About Saint Pantelejmon Monastery

The Saint Pantelejmon Monastery is a 12th Century Monastery dedicated to the patron saint of physicians St. Panteleimon. The architecture of the monastery is typically Byzantine. A thick layer of mortar has been used to bind the bricks and the irregularly shaped stone blocks. There are various churches and monasteries with similar structures in Macedonia. The rich history and the frescos of this monastery distinguish it from the others. The frescos are famous for their color, purity, and the almost-alive figures depicting the scenes from the Passion of Christ. The fresco, the Lamentation of Chris is very popular. This fresco shows Mary mourning for Jesus, lying on his death bed. The fresco captures a very moving expression of death and life in its presentation. The monastery has witnessed destructions due to earthquakes. However, repair and renovations were carried out to maintain the historical importance. Close to the monastery, there is a restaurant where refreshments are available.

Must See

  • The architecture of the building.
  • Frescos pertaining to scenes from the Passion of Christ.
  • Fresco Lamentation of Christ.
  • City view from the mountain.
  • Ethno village near the parking area.

How to reach

Walk from the city center is not advisable since the monastery is situated on Vodno hill and is 8.4 km from the center. It would take more than 2 hours of walking if someone wishes to do so.

By taxi it will take 30 minutes to reach, the one-way fare would be 300 MKD.

Bus no. 28 from the bus station goes to the monastery. It is a 40-minute ride but frequency is less and at times does not go. The fare is 35 MKD.

Tips

  • Many times, the guard responsible to collect the money is not available.
  • There is no signboard in English, it is advisable to come along with a guide.
  • Return buses, at times, are not punctual, keep the phone numbers of the local taxi services handy.
  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Many tourists have felt the place to be spiritually elevated.
  • The view of Skopje from the church is wonderful.
  • Attend a local function if possible.
  • Taking photos is not permitted inside the monastery. Check with the security. Sometimes they do permit but without a flash.
  • Try to combine this trip with the Millennium Cross if commuting by a taxi.

 

Visit Time

Sunday:           8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday:          8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday:          8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday:     8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday:        8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday:             8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday:         8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

Nil

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 hour

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Scattered Clouds 9.3°C

 

Local Services in Skopje (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Skopje

Top Cities in Macedonia