Makedonska Kamenica – where the air smells of pine forest and the Bregalnica River quietly carries the stories of the past.
Nestled beneath the Osogovo Mountains, Kamenica is our quiet beauty – a town that lives softly but is loved loudly.
Located in the eastern part of the Republic of Macedonia, on the southern slopes of Osogovo, it is known as a mining town, home to the famous Sasa lead and zinc mine. Proclaimed a town in 2004, Makedonska Kamenica covers 19,037 hectares and includes 9 settlements with a total population of 8,110. According to the 2021 census, the town itself has 4,368 residents.
The name “Kamenica” comes from the river that runs through it, meaning “water that flows through a stony riverbed.”
Kamenica was first mentioned in Ottoman records. The settlement in its modern form was established before 1950, initially as a miners’ village for workers in the Sasa mine. During the period of Serbian rule, mining was revived in the old Roman mines. Saxon miners (Sasi), originally from Hungary and Germany, settled in the area, giving their name to the Sasa mine.
In the 14th century, the region became part of the principality of Konstantin Dejanović, later falling under Ottoman rule. By the second half of the 16th century, the mountainous terrain gave rise to haiduk bands as a form of resistance. From this region came legendary leaders such as Dedo Iljo Maleševski and Rumena Vojvoda, who embodied the spirit of defiance and freedom.
Only five residents of the settlement were recorded as victims during the Second World War, a reminder of its small size but enduring resilience.
Makedonska Kamenica may be small, but its cultural life is vibrant. The town has:
The most important annual event is the Kamenica Cultural Summer, which brings together famous performers and artists, making the town come alive with music, art, and community spirit.
Football is the pride of Kamenica. The local club FK Sasa competes in the Macedonian Second League but once played in the First League, carrying the town’s name across the country. The stadium, with a capacity of 2,000 spectators, and the municipal park are gathering places for sports and recreation.
Makedonska Kamenica is a place where history, tradition, and nature meet.
Let us never forget – in every stone, there is a part of us. In every street, our footsteps remain.
