Prilep, 10 April 2025 (MIA) – A major project by the Government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the conservation and restoration of the “Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God” church is expected to begin soon at the Treskavec monastery complex, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov said during Thursday’s visit to the complex.

“I expect that all required permits will be obtained soon, allowing us to begin this major project, which already has an initial funding of Mden 4 million. In 2026, work will also be carried out on the conservation of the church’s frescoes,” Ljutkov noted.

The project will be implemented by joint teams of experts from the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments and Museum – Prilep, the European Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments in Thessaloniki, Greece, the Institute and Museum – Bitola, the National Conservation Center, Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIS), and the Faculty of Civil Engineering – Skopje.

Today, the team from the Centre in Thessaloniki visited Treskavec, accompanied by the Ambassador of Greece to North Macedonia, Sophia Philippidou.

“This is our second collaboration with cultural heritage experts. The first was in Kurbinovo, and now, the team from the European Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments is working together with specialists from the Institute and Museum – Prilep on the protection of this monumental cultural site — the church in the Treskavec complex. I’d like to thank all the professionals involved for their cooperation,” Ambassador Philippidou said.

The Director of the European Centre from Thessaloniki, Flora Karagianni, expressed confidence that the church and its frescoes will be protected from moisture.

Ljutkov also visited the Church of "St. Annunciation" and the archaeological site of "Stibera."

“The conservation and restoration of the church are expected to wrap up by year’s end, with structural reinforcement of the iconostasis and woodcarving work still pending. A total of Mden 2.1 million has been allocated for this. At Stibera, ongoing maintenance is being carried out to support its touristic promotion, and archaeological excavations will resume at the end of August,” Ljutkov said.

Regarding the Marko Cepenkov Cultural Center, Ljutkov informed that the comments from the State Inspectorate for Protection and Rescue will be addressed promptly, and the facility will soon be put back into operation.

Photo: Ministry of Culture and Tourism