Osogovo Monastery

Osogovo Monastery is an Orthodox monastery complex in Kriva Palanka situated at roughly 800 meters elevation on Osogovo Mountain. The site comprises two churches, residential buildings, a bell tower, and a guardhouse arranged within its fortified grounds.

The monastery was founded in the 12th century by Saint Joachim Osogovski and received patronage from Serbian rulers of the Nemanjić dynasty. It endured periods under Ottoman control and continues as an important religious center for the region.

The larger church displays 12 cupolas symbolizing the apostles, and its interior walls feature frescoes created by Dimitar Andonov Papradiški. These paintings form the spiritual core of the sacred space and remain central to the visual identity of the complex.

The monastery sits roughly 10 kilometers from the Bulgarian border and maintains regular visiting hours for guests. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and prepare for mountain weather conditions that vary throughout the year.

During summer months, the monastery operates as a gathering place for artists and students participating in an art colony program. This seasonal transformation merges the traditional spiritual life with contemporary artistic exchange and learning.