Zovich, Mariovo – one of the most beautiful villages in Macedonia

Intro

Zovich is village in Municipality of Novaci, located at 680 meters above sea level, 49 kilometers from Bitola city. To the village leads asphalt road.

Coordinates: 41.115890, 21.713544 (Open on Google Maps…)

In the past, the village was located about 500 meters away from the current location in the location known as “Lenishte”. However, during the Turkish rule, it was looted and burned down, so residents were forced to relocate to the current location, and thus village Zovich was settled.

The name of the village was probably obtained after the name of a spring located in today’s location, which the villagers of Lenishte then called “Bzovich” because of the tree Elder (Lat: sambucus nigra, Macedonian: Боз/Boz) that grew around the spring.

According to the census of 1953 in the village of Zovik lived 356 inhabitants. Today, due to the mass migration, there are less than 15 permanent inhabitants in the village.

There are two churches in the village: St. Nicholas and St. Athanasius, yet village of Zovich is best known for the Stone Bridge (or Movie bridge called by some) near the village.
The village of Zovich revives during the summer months when returnees and tourists visit the village, but also during the holiday “Mitrovden” (November 8 – St. Dimitrij, St. Demetrius), which is celebration day of the village.

Прослава на Митровден во село Зовиќ 1925 г — Celebration of “Mitrovden” (St. Dimitrij, St. Demetrius) in Zovich village in 1925

Stone Bridge near Zovich village

Coordinates: 41.118682, 21.717339
The bridge is about 300 meters away from the center of the village and it can be reached by foot

The “Stone Bridge” near Zovich village or also known as the “Movie Bridge” is one of the most beautiful architectural creations in Mariovo region. It is made of carved stone and prone stone blocks. It has an arc shape, adapted to the configuration of the terrain. In the lower part adjacent to the river on the side of the village, a watermill was built, which until recently was used by the local population. The watermill is also built of carved stone and covered with stone slabs as all traditional houses in Mariovo region.

During the summer months, the Stone Bridge is one of the favorite places for the local population.

Зовиќ - Мариово со прекрасниот филмски мост - Истражи ја Македонија

Fresco painting of St. George

Next to the Stone Bridge there is a fresco painting of St. George, which dates from 1925, the year which is inscribed together with the names of the donors. On the fresco painting, the figure of St. George is placed on a white horse with a reddish cloak, in a position that he kills the dragon. The fresco was restored in 2006 by the National Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments and the Museum of Bitola.

Church St. Nicholas

Црквата Св. Никола во село Зовиќ - во 1927 година и денес — The church St. Nicholas in 1927 and today

Coordinates: 41.118477, 21.712505
The church is located 180 meters from the center of village Zovik

The church St. Nicholas in Zovich village was built in 1862. It suffered great damage during the First World War and was restored in 1927. Interesting about this church is the fact that its hermits, or two of the richer peasants who financed its building, are presented as saints at the entrances of the church, which is a real rarity in these parts of Macedonia.
In the courtyard of this church are the village cemeteries, as well as the cemetery of soldiers who died near the village during the First World War.

St. Atanasij Monastery

Св. Атанасиј село Зовиќ

Coordinates: 41.120787, 21.710952
The monastery is located 300 meters from the center of the village and it can be reached by foot or jeep

St. Atanasij or St. Athanasius is a small one-aisled church built about 300 m from the center of village Zovich. It is believed that the temple was built in the 17th century when the village is thought to exist in this place. Recently in the courtyard of the monastery a dining room was built and a cross is set that is lit and visible from afar.
The monastery is situated in a picturesque location from where the visitors can experience one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Mariovo region. It is reached by foot at any time of the year, and there is also a road for off-road vehicles.

Поглед од манастир Св. Атанасиј

View from the Monastery St. Atanasij toward the Stone Bridge

Chebren Monstery

Coordinates: 41.132511, 21.680148
The monastery can be reached by foot from Zovich village (about 1 hour hiking in one direction. The hiking track from the village is not marked, and is recommended persons visiting the monastery to be accompanied by guide). Also the monastery can be reached with a jeep (4×4), using the road at the entrance of the village which is also appropriate for hiking and biking.

“Chebren” is a monastery with a long tradition situated in the area of village Zovich. In addition to the breathtaking picturesque nature, here also are located the churches St. Spas (Holy Salvation) from the 15th century and the recently renewed church of St. Dimitrij, which altar section dates from the 18th century.

Read more about “Chebren” monastery…

Etno House “At The Bridge”

Coordinates: 41.117382, 21.712910 (in the village center)

During your visit to the Zovich village, you must not miss the ethno house “At the Bridge” and try out the famous gourmet specialties from Mariovo region. In addition to the traditional food, the house also provides 4 rooms for accommodation. Also for accommodation there are also private houses in the village.

The ethno the house works on weekends and with advance notice. For larger groups, a visit can be organized in other days of the week.

Contact phone (Viber): +389 75 314 882
Email: info@off-road.mk

Activities and other places to visit near Zovich village

Accommodation in Zovich village

How to get to the village Zovich

The village of Zovich is connected with Bitola city with an asphalt road in the length of 50 km (32 miles). There is no public transport to the village, so besides with your own vehicle, taxi transport from Bitola to the village Zovich costs about 20 – 25 euro.