Matka Canyon, Limestone canyon with caves west of Skopje, North Macedonia

Matka Canyon is a steep limestone gorge west of Skopje carved by the Treska River, creating dramatic vertical walls that frame a large reservoir. The canyon contains ten caves and stretches across a wide area, with the cliffs rising high above the water's surface.

Because the terrain was hard to reach and therefore safer, churches and monasteries were built in the canyon, which is called Sveta Gora (Holy Mountain) for their number. St. Andrew's Monastery was founded around 1388 by Andrew, brother of Prince Marko. The Matka Monastery, on the left bank of the Treska, was repaired in 1497 by a woman named Milica, who added a roof, frescoes, a portico and a vineyard. The walls of the medieval fortress Markov Grad also stand high in the canyon.

Because the canyon's terrain was hard to reach and therefore safer, it holds many churches and monasteries and is called "Holy Mountain" (Sveta Gora). Matka Monastery, on the left bank of the Treska, was founded in the 14th century; an inscription records that Milica repaired its roof, added frescoes and a portico and planted a vineyard in 1497.

Spring through fall offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring, with good weather and accessible pathways. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light source if you plan to enter the caves, as the interiors are dark and uneven.

Vrelo Cave, on the right bank of the Treska, was listed among the top 77 natural sites in the New7Wonders of Nature project. Its central stalactite is called the "Pine Cone" for its shape, and the cave ends at two lakes, the larger 35 m long and 18 m deep.