Matka Canyon, located west of Skopje in North Macedonia, spans an area of approximately 5,000 hectares and is one of the most visited natural destinations in the country. Within the canyon lies Matka Lake, which was created in 1937 by damming the Treska River, forming the oldest artificial lake in North Macedonia. The area is also known for several medieval monasteries located nearby. The canyon is home to many plant and animal species, many of which are endemic and protected, and it was declared a natural monument in 1994 due to its exceptional natural features. In the following text, you will learn more about this attraction in Macedonia.
Geological Features
Author: Güldem Üstün from Istanbul, Turkey, CC BY 2.0
Matka Canyon covers ten caves, with the shortest being 20 meters long, and the longest reaching 176 meters. In addition to the caves, the canyon contains two vertical shafts, each about 35 meters deep. Among the caves, the Vrelo Cave stands out, located on the right bank of the Treska River, which has been recognized as one of the 77 most interesting natural locations in the Seven Natural Wonders project.
Vrelo Cave is rich in stalactites, including the famous formation known as “Šišarka” due to its characteristic shape. At the end of the cave are two lakes – a smaller one, 8 meters long and 15 meters deep, and a larger one, 35 meters long and 18 meters deep. Although the depth of the cave has not been fully explored, it is speculated that it could be one of the deepest underwater caves in the world.
Matka Canyon is also significant for its biodiversity. About 20% of the plant species in the canyon are endemic, and the area is home to 77 endemic butterfly species. The caves of the canyon host large populations of bats.
Monasteries
St. Andrew’s Monastery, Author: Raša CC BY-SA 3.0
In the surroundings of the canyon, there are several medieval monasteries, among which the Monastery of Saint Andrew, the Matka Monastery (also known as the Monastery of the Holy Mother of God), and the Saint Nicholas Šišovski Monastery stand out.
St. Andrew’s Monastery
St. Andrew’s Monastery, built in 1389 by Andrijaš, the son of King Vukašin, is located near the canyon. The church, with a triconch design and a single dome, is famous for the frescoes of John the Metropolitan and Hieromonk Makarios, which differ in style and themes. Among the frescoes are “Prayer on the Mountain” and “Washing the Feet of the Apostles.” The monastery was once accessible only by boat, and it was believed that the frescoes had healing powers. Nearby is a tavern.
Matka Monastery
Located on the left bank of the Treska River near the village of Matka, Matka Monastery was built around 1370 by the nobleman Bojko. It was restored in 1497 by Milica Skopljanka, who added a narthex. The small church, with a cross-shaped plan and a single dome, features the fresco of the Mother of God “Trojeručica.” The monastery has been the site of significant historical events, such as the visit of King Alexander in 1925. It has suffered from destruction in the past, and Monk Gelasije and Elder Koča Jovanović tragically lost their lives in the area.
St. Nicholas Šišovski Monastery
Šišovski Monastery, also known as St. Nicholas Šišovski Monastery, is situated high above a cliff in Matka Canyon, on the right side of the Treska River near the village of Šiševo in North Macedonia. This medieval Orthodox monastery is located on a rock terrace above the artificial Matka Lake, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. The monastery can only be accessed on foot, from three directions: from the bridge on the Treska River and the village of Matka, taking about half an hour, from the village of Šiševo, which takes about an hour, or from the top of Mount Vodno, a two-and-a-half-hour walk. It is 18 kilometers from Skopje and only three kilometers from the village of Šiševo.
Tourism
Matka Canyon Author: Saveska, CC BY-SA 3.0
Visitors to Matka Canyon often highlight the beautiful landscapes and the variety of activities the place offers. Many recommend renting a kayak or taking a boat ride on the lake, with a special emphasis on visiting the Vrelo Cave, famous for its stalactites and fascinating lakes. Kayaking is available at an affordable price, but tourists advise being prepared for the possibility of getting wet, so waterproof clothing is recommended.
For hiking enthusiasts, the trails offer incredible views, with a 10-kilometer route especially recommended. Hiking allows for a more detailed exploration of the canyon and stopping at attractive points for photography. The total time for hiking varies, but many suggest about two hours as sufficient for enjoyment.
However, tourists warn about parking challenges, especially during the afternoon hours. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure free parking. Public transport is not available to the canyon entrance, so arriving by car or taxi is often the only option.
The Vrelo Cave and the boats that take visitors there are particularly popular, but some visitors point out issues with cleanliness around the area. Still, most agree that Matka Canyon is a unique natural attraction worth visiting.
Activities in Matka Canyon
Matka Canyon Map (from Skoplje)
