Nestled amidst the serene waters of Lake Prespa in North Macedonia lies a place of captivating allure and rich historical legacy — Golem Grad (Македонски: Голем Град) meaning "Big City" in Macedonian, but also known among the locals as Snake Island or Pelican Island. Despite its modest size, spanning over 20 hectares, Golem Grad harbors a wealth of cultural, ecological, and archaeological treasures, making it a gem worth unraveling.
Source: Wikipedia
Golem Grad's history is as mysterious as it is fascinating. Once home to a small monastic community, the island boasts ancient ruins and churches that whisper tales of bygone eras. Its significance dates back centuries, with traces of human presence spanning from the first millennium BC to the Middle Ages. The island's enigmatic past has attracted researchers and adventurers alike, with archaeological excavations ongoing since 1967, revealing layers of history hidden beneath its verdant landscapes.
Source: Wikipedia
The island's transformation into a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including snakes, pelicans, tortoises, and other creatures, adds to its mystique. While the monastic community may have departed in the mid-20th century, Golem Grad remains alive with the rustle of leaves, the slither of serpents, and the majestic flight of pelicans. Its uninhabited status only adds to the allure, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery accessible only by boat.
Declared a Strict Nature Reserve, Golem Grad's unique geomorphological features and microclimate have fostered a haven for flora and fauna alike. The island's isolation has nurtured a diverse ecosystem, boasting over 160 species of ferns and seed plants, including rare Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean flora. From the resilient black hornbeam to the majestic Macedonian oak, Golem Grad's botanical wonders stand as a testament to nature's resilience and beauty.
Source: Wikipedia
For centuries, Golem Grad has been a place of intrigue, drawing explorers, scholars, and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.
The first research relates to the expedition of the Russian scientist Miliukov, who visited the island in 1898. He noted two churches, without roofs, but with preserved frescoes on the walls. Then he noticed the two inscriptions on the rocks with Christian content, one in ancient Greek and the other in Old Slavic. Archaeological excavations on the island of Golem Grad began in 1967 and are still ongoing. This unusual place, far from communications, showed a long chronology of human presence and life in this area from the first millennium BC to the Middle Ages. The cultural strata cannot always be monitored vertically, but the horizontal stratigraphy marks a long continuity of life on the island.
Its cultural significance, coupled with its natural splendor, continues to captivate the hearts and minds of all who venture to its shores. While the island may be known by many names — from Big City Island to Snake Island — its essence remains unchanged, a testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable enclave.
Source: Wikipedia
Today, as tourists flock to Golem Grad in increasing numbers, they are greeted not only by the whispers of the past but also by the vibrant tapestry of life that thrives amidst its ancient ruins and lush landscapes. Whether it's the sight of a sun-drenched chapel or the rustle of underbrush teeming with wildlife, each moment spent on Golem Grad is an invitation to immerse oneself in the timeless beauty of nature and history intertwined.
Denica, OLS Community Manager - Macedonian