Karpino Monastery

Karpino Monastery is a Byzantine religious complex in the village of Orah in northeastern North Macedonia, featuring a stone church with a triconch apse and classical Byzantine architectural elements. The interior displays detailed frescoes that reflect the religious and artistic importance of the site.

The monastery was founded around 1100 and underwent multiple reconstructions throughout the centuries that altered its structure and furnishings. A notable restoration in 1892 added new religious paintings to the walls and gave the complex a refreshed appearance.

The monastery contains seven original icons created between 1606 and 1607 by Nikola Zoograf and his workshop, representing important works of Macedonian Orthodox religious art. These pieces reflect the artistic tradition and spiritual devotion that flourished within these walls.

The monastery is located near Kumanovo in northeastern North Macedonia and is accessible to visitors interested in religious architecture, with regular visiting hours throughout the week. It is advisable to wear modest clothing and allow enough time to carefully examine the frescoes and iconographic details.

At its height, the monastery housed approximately three hundred monks who dedicated themselves to copying religious manuscripts and church books. This scribal work made it an important center for preserving and spreading religious texts throughout the region.

Location: Orah

Inception: 1100

Architectural style: Byzantine architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.19273,21.96371

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40