Monastery guarded by dogs
Demir Hisar (which means "Iron fortress" in Turkish) is a municipality in southwestern part of Republic of Macedonia. Demir Hisar is situated along the main road between Bitola and Kicevo. Yet, this region is relatively less visited than the others, but ones you discover its preserved secrets and beauties, you will never forget it…
The Demir Hisar municipality is a hilly and mountainous area located in the southwestern part of Macedonia, around the upper basin of the Crna Reka (Black River). The area of the municipality spreads between the mountains of Bushava on east, Bigla, Plakenska and Ilinska on the south-west and Drevenik on south-east. The seat of the Demir Hisar municipality is Demir Hisar city.
The village Slepche from the Monastery
Demir Hisar municipality boasts important historic and religious monuments with spiritual, educational, literary and artistic activities (monasteries: "John the Baptist" in the village Slepche, "St. Athanasius of Alexandria" in Zhurche, "St. Peter" in .Smilevo and "St. Nicholas Toplicki" in Toplice. On the Ilinska mountain you can visit the St. Iliya monastery (1525 m a.s.l.)
About this cache:: This cache will lead you to the Monastery "John the Baptist" near the village Slepche. The monastery St. John the Baptist (Mac.: Sveti Jovan Preteca) is located in the village Slepche, near the city of Demir Hisar. It was built in 14th century with assistance of the Ohrid archibishopic. It is of the oldest preserved medieval centers of culture. The monastery was important painting and publishing center. In the monastery were translated and published many church books used in the churches of Demir Hisar region. Today the church has many historical items preserved. The most important are: "The Great cross with crucified Jesus", Tzar's gates (destroyed in fire in 1972), and wood-carved songbooks.
The Monastery
Recently the monk life was renewed in this monastery and a small brotherhood community lives here. The church and the monastery are closed, however the brothers (but, occasionally, a sister monk) will gladly open the church for you and hold a lecture about it. The entrance is free of charge, but you can leave a small donation (or buy a souvenir).
This Monastery is famous for its shepherd dogs, of “Sharplaninec” breed . At night, the dogs guard the Monastery (against wild animals, thieves…) It would not be a pleasant experience to nock on the Monastery gate in the night!
How to get there: From the main road (Kichevo-Bitola),near the Demir Hisar city, turn toward Slepche village (R1). Drive through the village and continue on narrow asphalt road about 2.75 km to the cache.
The cache is a small white plastic container.
About the cache: it is hidden in the wall of an old building next the Monastery. To find this cache as quick as possible, to avoid to be suspicious, use only the photo spoilers!!! 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 times per year! Be aware of snakes, especially in the summer! Check the cache place with a stick first!!!Thanks.
Sources: Internet. Photos: Internet and original (by Galejnik)