Vineyards near Kavadarci

Kavadarci is the wine capital of North Macedonia, located in the Tikveš grape-growing region of Povardarie. It is the principal city of the Tikveš area, followed by Negotino.

Understand

History

In late June 1913, Tikveš was the site of an uprising organized by the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization against Serbian troops during the Second Balkan War. Kavadarci, Negotino, and other nearby settlements were captured. The Serbian army reorganized and brutally suppressed the uprising just several days later. This uprising constituted the first organized revolt against Serbian occupation of Vardar Macedonia following the withdrawal of Turkish forces after the First Balkan War.

Economy

The importance of the grape to Kavadarci can't be overstated - a grape design is prominent in the city's flag. In addition to wine, Kavadarci is also important in the production of ferro-nickel. It is also a leader in timber and tobacco production.

People

The Kavadarci area is ethnically homogeneous, populated by Orthodox Macedonians.

See

• Tikveš Lake- the largest manmade lake in the country.
• Pološki Monastery and the Church of Sveta Bogorodica of Drenovo
• Marko's Tower- in the center of city, it was built in the 18th century and stands 60 feet high and has five stories.
• Ivan Mazov-Klima House of Culture
• City Museum and Gallery- the museum houses many archaeological, historical, and cultural exhibits. It contains work from local and international artists.

Further afield

The village of Rožden sits near the border with Greece

Vataša is a large village just south of Kavadarci city limits. Over time, it has become a suburban extension of the city.

• 1 Memorial House of Strašo Pindžur (Спомен-куќа на Страшо Пинџур). Strašo Pindžur was born in Vataša in 1915 in this house. He is was a communist partisan and considered a national hero in North Macedonia. The house has served as a museum on the life of Pindžur since 1956. It was most recently renovated in 2014. (updated Jan 2019)
• 2 Mokliški Monastery (Моклишки манастир). South of the village in the area of a historical settlement known as Moklište, this monastery contains one church dedicated to St Nicholas. The church and monastery date back to the late 16th century. The church was built of stone and its frescoes date to its construction in 1594. The iconostasis was done in the 19th century. The monastery has not had full-time monks since 1945. (updated Jan 2019)

Notable sights in the outlying villages of Kavadarci Municipality include the following:

• 3 Church of St Lazarus (Црква „Св. Лазар“) (village of Begnište). About 5 km (3 mi) southwest of Begnište, and 30 m (99 ft) above Lake Tikveš, is this 14th-century cave church. With the damming of the lake, it is only accessible via a dirt road or via boat. Much of the church is in disrepair. (updated Jan 2019)
• 4 Bošava Monastery (Бошавски манастир), village of Dolna Bošava. This monastery was established in 1839 when its main (and only) church and living quarters were built. The church is dedicated to St Michael the Archangel. The frescoes were pained in 1880 by artists from Kruševo. Gorna and Dolna (upper and lower) Bošava are two historic villages with traditional architecture. (updated Feb 2019)
• 5 Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary (Црква „Успение на Пресвета Богородица“), village of Dabnište. This 18th-century church is single-aisled with a long side porch. Its interior is entirely frescoed. The church is, however, in relatively rough shape. (updated Feb 2019)
• 6 Church of St Michael the Archangel (Црква „Св. Архангел Михаил“), village of Resava. This church was built from 1837 to 1840 of mostly stone. Its frescoes were painted in 1881 and its most distinctive feature is its large covered porch. (updated Mar 2019)
• 7 Church of the Ascension (Црква „Вознесение Христово“), village of Rožden. On an elevation above the village of Rožden, this church was built in 1872 and frescoed in 1874. It was built of stone and features a large porch on one side. The church is in rough condition with the surrounding grass and trees overgrown. (updated Mar 2019)

Do

• Tikveški Grozdober. During the first week of September, this festival is held marking the beginning of the wine grape harvest. It was first held in 1964 and hosts various concerts, exhibitions, and other events. (updated Jan 2019)

Drink

Since Kavadarci is famous for its wine, make sure you try some especially the most popular one, Tikveš.

Sleep

• 1 Hotel Feni, Edward Kardelj BB, ☏ +389-410-483. Big clean rooms. Good quality breakfast buffet included in price. double 3000 denars. 
• Hotel Uni Palas I. Double 3000 denars. 
• 2 Hotel Uni Palas II, ☏ +389 43 419 600. Restaurant, swimming pool. Double 3000 denars.