Nestled in the embrace of Mount Bistra, surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature and the tranquility of the Treska River, Makedonski Brod is a small but proud town.
Located in the Poreče region of Western Macedonia, it lies at an altitude of 545 meters, with a population of 3,643. Its name, “Brod” (“ford”), comes from its location on the upper course of the Treska River, once a crossing point for travelers.
The roots of Makedonski Brod are deep and ancient. While the town began to take its present form in the 19th century, archaeological sites reveal traces of life here since antiquity—old settlements, bridges, churches, and necropolises that mark its long history.
A tombstone from the village of Krapa shows that Romans once inhabited the area. Later, the Slavic tribe of the Berziti (Brsjaci) settled in the region. Near the village of Devič, the remains of medieval buildings and the Towers of Devič rise above the famous Pešna Cave, where parts of old city walls are still visible. According to legend, this city was built by Pešna, the sister of the hero King Marko.
Though small, Brod played an important role during Ottoman times as a strategic point, and later during the National Liberation Struggle. Seven residents of the town lost their lives during the Second World War.
Makedonski Brod is a land of sacred places, where spirituality and tradition live on through monasteries and churches:
The economy of Makedonski Brod is rooted in agriculture and livestock farming. Small industry is present, with the most notable being the tobacco-processing enterprise that provides jobs for the local population.
Cooking in Makedonski Brod is done with heart and soul. Traditional dishes include:
Every bite carries tradition and the love of diligent homemakers who preserve the flavors of the past.
For those in the diaspora, the heart always beats for Makedonski Brod and Macedonia. Here lie your roots, the stories of your ancestors, the scent of linden trees in summer, and the glistening snows of Mount Bistra in winter.
Makedonski Brod may be small, but it is a home that never leaves you.
