The big Golgotha
Velká Golgota
In the first half of the 20 century Vodno was a bare mountain, causing erosion and sediment problems in Skopje city. Since the fifties of the 20 century afforestation on almost all the area of Vodno was undertaken. Since then Vodno Mountain represents a heaven on Earth for citizens of Skopje. It is close to the city and big enough to accept all nature lovers who are seeking for a short or long escape of the civilization. But, what is most important, Vodno “cries” for more cache!!!
The Vodno mountain is situated on the southern side of the Skopje valley. The highest peak on Vodno mountain is Krstovar peak, on 1,066 meters a.s.l. From the top of Vodno is a wonderful view of Skopje valley, spreading north, while on the south side lies Jakupica Massif and its highest peak, Solunska Glava (2,538 meters).
There are many interesting places to see on the Vodno mountain. At Sredno Vodno (Middle Vodno, 640 meters a.s.l.), there is a chalet, hotel "Vodno" and the church of Holy Mother. You can get to Sredno Vodno by walk, bike, public bus or by car. During sundays Sredno Vodno is unpleasantly crowded!
A symbol of the Christianity, The Millennium Cross, was built on the Krstovar peak, in 2002, marking 2000 years of Christianity. It is considered to be the highest Christian Cross in Europe.
A view toward the Millennium Cross
At an attitude of 750-800 meters a.s.l., on the eastern side of the mountain (2 km from Sredno Vodno), at the end of the new trim trail, is the medieval fortress, Town of Marko.
Some 8 km from Sredno Vodno (Middle Vodno) is the St. Pantelejmon monastery, dating from the year 1164 AD. It is well-known due to the beautiful frescoes, of which the most famous is "Lamentation over the body of Christ", painted 140 years before Giotto's "Pieta"!!!. In the monastery complex there is a restaurant with a wide choice of delicious Macedonian national meals, with a very pleasant interior in a traditional Macedonian national style.
The beauty on south
Many trails lead to the top of Vodno. Depending on your time, your body condition and on the time of the year you can choose long and moderately steep trails shadowed by trees, or “Die Hard” trails for sportsmen, maniacs and some geocachers 
From the Millennium Cross on the top leads a very popular trail to the Lake Matka, some 14 km long.
In the winter
At 2011, a gondola lift was built to allow an easy ascent to visit the Millennium Cross. The lift starts at Sredno Vodno (Middle Vodno) and ends at the Cross, taking approximately 8 minutes to ascend.
Maybe I know why people called this ridge of Vodno Little and Big Golgotha! Try to hike this slope and ridge in summer! Bare terrain, sun above your head, temperature near 40? No, thanks But early in the morning, when the air is still chilly, this side of Vodno offers an open space, calmness and beautiful view toward the mountains south. In the other seasons, contrary, exposed location make this trail very nice, sunny and well drained.
If you hike the Big Golgotha, you will feel like an eagle! So, sit on some rock, spread your wings (in case you have a pair !) and fly over the terrain! Or, remain sitting and enjoy the view.
How to get there? From Sredno (Middle) Vodno start at the new trim trail, and after some 300 m follow the red marks (R1). At the R2 point the paths are crossing: take the trail straight south. It takes about 1 hour to get there. If you want to experience the longer, but easier trail, start at the trim trail; at the mark “400 m” take the narrow path on your right side. Continue toward the cache “Sunny view”, than toward “The Little Golgotha” and finally you are on the top of the Big Golgotha!
The cache is small glass (baby food) jar. Please, be aware of snakes, especially in summer! Check the cache place with a stick or some branch first!!!
Sources: Wikipedia, other internet sources. Photos: Original (by Galejnik)