Medieval Saxon Miners
The eastern part of Macedonia is geocachers’ TERRA INCOGNITA! Let's explore this part of the country, blessed by God with natural beauty, diversity of landscapes, hospitable people and warm sun.
Water means life, and in Eastern Macedonia the life bringing river is Bregalnica. Bregalnica is the second largest river (225 km) in the Republic of Macedonia. It starts as a spring in Maleshevo mountains near the city of Berovo. It flows through Maleshevo region and near the cities of Delchevo, Makedonska Kamenica, Kochani, Vinica and Štip, before joining the river Vardar on its way to the Aegean Sea. Some call it “Nectar of Maleshevo”, carrying the sweet essence of this region. This River along its picturesque path fills Berovo and Kalimanci Lake, irrigates rice fields, gives fish and supports diversity of animal and plant wealth. The hunt after caches along this river will reveal to you many interesting places in this part of Macedonia.
About this cache:This cache will take you to the city of medieval miners. Residents of this town are very proud of their Germanic ancestors, and some of them express visible Germanic physiognomy heritage.
Makedonska Kamenica
Makedonska Kamenica is a town in the eastern part of Macedonia, located at the foot of Osogovo Mountains. The name Kamenica (kamen = stone) derives from the name of Kamenichka River, which flows through the city. Bregalnica River passes near Makedonska Kamenica and near to the city forms the Kalimanci (“Dragon”) lake. Makedonska Kamenica is known as a mining town. The biggest lead and zinc mine Sasa lies in its vicinity.
This village, now city, in medieval period was just settlement for the miners, who worked in lead- zinc mines in this area. At that time the area was under Serbian rule, and in this period was renewed mining in old Roman mines. There fore this area has settled by mining tribes of Saxons (germ.: Sachsen, Sassen; Maced.:Sasi), who immigrated from Germany (by some records in 1282!) The name of the biggest mine Sasa is extracted by them.
Their great-great-great- ... grandfathers were Saxons
The medieval Saxons obviously liked Macedonia and settled here for good 
. And as proof of their German origin they left not only their genes, but also many words, especially used in mining activities (cech, ort, schichta, schurf, hutman etc.)
The church in Makedonska Kamenica
Surrounding of Makedonska Kamenica is very nice. Osogovo Mountains, lying north, are worthy to visit. If you pass the ugly part with the mines, and continue to the woods, you will be award by untouched and clean nature.
How to get there: Drive toward Shtip - Kochani toward Delchevo.
The cache is a log book and a magnet, wrapped in a nylon envelope.
Please, be very careful when getting out, logging and putting back the cache, in order to protect it of Muggles! In case of lost of the cache the owner can visit the location and restore it only 2-3 per year! Thanks.
Sources: Internet. Photos: Internet and original (by Galejnik)