Pance Velkov gave a keynote presentation on using medieval monasteries in Macedonia to promote tourism. There are many well-preserved monasteries and churches from the 11th-15th centuries, including the monasteries of Veljusa, Treskavec, and churches in Ohrid containing famous frescoes. However, these religious sites need conservation efforts and strategies to increase visitation in a respectful manner, such as developing visitor codes, guidebooks, and international conservation projects that preserve sites while promoting Macedonian culture.

1. KEYNOTE
PANCE VELKOV
Medieval Monasteries in Republic of
Macedonia – An asset for Touristic
Development?
FRH Conference in Vicenza
10th
Nov. 2016

2. Dr. Pance Velkov
President of the
Makedonida Foundation
Medieval Churches and Monasteries
In Republic of Macedonia -
An Asset for Touristic Development ?

3. Map of Macedonia

4. Annunciation
Ohrid Collection
XII Century

5. Virgin Mather of God –
Called “Pelagonitiza’’
Beginning of XV Century,
National Museum in
Skopje

6. Veljusa Monastery , Strumica
XI Century

7. Saint Panteleimon, Nerezi,
XII Century

8. Lamentation, Saint Panteleimon,
Nerezi, XII Century

9. Saint Sophia, Ohrid, XI Century , Apse

10. Saint Sophie, Ohrid, Exonarthex,
Early XIV Century

11. Ascension, Saint Sophia, Ohrid, XI Century

12. Communion of the Apostles, Saint Sophia,
Ohrid, XI Century

13. ‘’Ascension’’
Kurbinovo,
XII Century

14. ‘’Annonciation’’
Kurbinovo,
XII Century

15. Treskavec Monastery, XIII-XV Century
Region of Prilep

16. Treskavec Monastery, The Holly Warriors,
Early XIV Century

17. Holly Mother of God – Perivleptos
Ohrid, Painted in 1295

18. Holy Mother of God -
Perivleptos
before Conservation
2010

19. Holy Mother of God – Perivleptos
Conservation Project
2011 - 2014

20. Holy Mother of God – Perivleptos
After Conservation

21. ‘’Extended Use’’ of Medieval Churches and
Monasteries in Macedonia
Possible Strategies for the Future
- Drafting of Visitation Code by the Macedonian Orthodox
Church with the help of Governmental Agencies and
NGO’S
- Smart Promotion including Media Campaign, Publication
of Guide Books , establishing Cultural routes …
- International Conservation Projects enabling both
Preservation and Promotion of the Sacred Sites on the
International Scene

22. Cave Church Archangel Michael
Radozhda, XIII Century

23. The Miracle in Chona, Archange Michael
XIII and XIV Century Layers

24. The Miracle in Chona after Conservation
Project implemented by Makedonida Foundation