Mavrovo Lake, reservoir in Macedonia
Mavrovo Lake is a large artificial reservoir in Mavrovo and Rostuša Municipality with a water surface of about 13.7 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 50 meters. The water body stretches roughly 10 kilometers in length and is surrounded by the Šar Mountains to the north and the Bistra Mountains to the south, both rising above 2500 meters.
The lake was created by damming the Mavrova River and has been protected as part of Mavrovo National Park since 1952. The project served to generate hydroelectric power and permanently shaped the area's landscape.
The lake and surrounding region hold meaning for local residents as a place for outdoor rest and connection to nature. People here maintain traditions of respecting the environment by keeping the area clean and avoiding disturbance to wildlife.
Marked trails run along the shoreline and surrounding area, allowing visitors to walk easily and find quiet spots to sit and view the landscape. Fires, camping, and collecting natural materials are not permitted; visitors should carry out all trash and keep pets on a short leash.
A notable feature is the Church of Saint Nicholas, whose ruins are half submerged in the water with parts protruding above the surface. This sunken structure tells a story of the region's past and often sparks curiosity among visitors.
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