Vinica

town in North Macedonia

Vinica (Macedonian: Виница) is a city located in eastern North Macedonia. The city is home to about 10,000 residents, while Vinica Municipality, which consists of 15 additional surrounding villages, has a population of nearly 20,000.

Vinica, as seen from Viničko Kale

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History

In 1897, the Vinica Affair occurred in which the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO) faced its first failure. The group attacked the home of the wealthy Turkish bey in Vinica, stealing money and causing the bey to kill himself. The Ottomans began mass arrests and investigations, leading to the discovery and seizure of IMRO weapons not only in Vinica but all the way to Skopje. Morale was devastated and the ruling Ottoman began to distrust the Macedonians. However, it also forced the group to organize into permanent regional groups.

The Second Balkan War Battle of Kalimanci occurred in the Vinica-area village between the Kingdom of Serbia and the Kingdom of Bulgaria. It started on 18 July 1913 and ended the next day with a decisive Bulgarian victory. This battle prevented the Serbs from pushing the Bulgarians out of Macedonia.

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Ruins at Viničko Kale
  • 🌍 Viničko Kale (Виничко Кале; Vinica Fortress). This archaeological site is located on a hill above the city, making it a great spot for a view of Vinica and its surroundings. First discovered in 1954, the site was inhabited during Neolithic times and Late Antiquity. Situated on the left side of the Grdečka River, Viničko Kale's most important findings are known as the Vinica Terracota Icons which depict scenes of early Christianity. Some of the most important findings ever in the country, the icons bear Latin writing and depict saints or Biblical scenes. The icons are on display at the Archaeological Museum in Centar, Skopje. (updated Mar 2020)
  • 🌍 Church of Saint Michael the Archangel (Црква „Св. Архангел Михаил“). The main church of Vinica in its current form was built in 1973. Its predecessor stood at this spot from 1850 until 1970 when it was decided a larger church was needed for the city. The church features a tall bell tower that is one of the defining features of the city skyline. The church also contains an extensive library. (updated Mar 2020)
  • 🌍 Museum of the City of Vinica (Музеј на град Виница). Established in 2006, this museum showcases some archaeological findings and other pieces from Vinica and its surroundings. (updated Mar 2020)

Neighboring villages

  • 🌍 Church of Saint Elijah (Црква „Св.Пророк Илија“), village of Blatec. Built during the revival period of churches in the 19th century, this impressive three-nave church has 77 icons in its iconostasis. Its ceiling features carvings and it has a large porch on its facade. The church yard contains a detached bell tower. (updated Mar 2020)

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