Štip, Administrative center in eastern North Macedonia
Štip is a city in eastern North Macedonia situated where the Bregalnica and Otinja rivers meet, surrounded by neighboring valleys. The settlement lies at approximately 340 meters elevation and serves as the administrative center of the region.
The settlement began as the ancient city of Astibos, where Paeonian rulers practiced ceremonial rituals, and later developed as Stipeon under Byzantine rule. This continuity from ancient times to the present day shapes multiple layers of the city's past.
The city maintains a strong textile manufacturing tradition, with several factories preserving handcraft techniques passed down through generations. This heritage shapes local identity, as many families have worked in these trades for decades.
The city hosts a university and several specialized schools that serve students from the region and beyond. Visiting works well when combined with exploring the surrounding valleys and river landscapes nearby.
On March 22, residents climb Isar Hill to collect forty stones, keeping one under their pillow and tossing the rest into the river. This custom connects local tradition with the arrival of spring and has been passed down through generations.
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