On the left bank following the valley of river Treska, on altitude of about 300 meters, the monastery Matka and the church dedicated to Holy Mother of God are situated. From the sometime big monastery complex, only the church succeeded completely to resist throughout the centuries.

In the 14th century the church was built by the son of the noblewoman Danica who was donor of the church St. Nikola  in the village Ljuboten, the noble Bojko. At the same time he appears as founder of many church objects in Skopje region. Throughout the centuries the church had been destroyed and rebuilt again. From the inscription above the entrance door, dated from the end of 15th century, we learn that its re-constructors were Milica, than Nikola together with his father and with the Metropolitan Atanasij.

The monastery complex today, besides the church, is comprised of mansion with the belfry, the Bishop’s residence, the housekeeper’s house and the monastery water tap with healthy and clean spring water. The church has shape of narrow written cross in which central part the eight-sided cupola elevates, with its four windows and niches leaned on pilastres. The eastern side finishes with three-sided altar apse.

The fresco-decoration in the interior of the church dates from the end of 15th century. It is divided in five zones that present number of figures in whole size and in medallions, as well as compositions with Sufferings of Christ and the Great holidays. The donors of the church, Milica and Nikola are presented in their civilian clothes. The fresco-decoration of this church is weaker artistic accomplishment and real contrast to the one in the neighboring church of Saint Andrea.

D. Kareva

About the churches in Macedonia

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