Probistip is a small mining town, situated in the southwestern foothills of the Osogovo Mountains in Macedonia. The name of the town originates from the name of the feudal ruler Ivanko Probistipovik who has had a property in this region in the middle ages.

According the 2002 census, Probistip had a population of 8,714 people. The town is nestled in the southwest corner of the Osogovo Mountains, in northeastern Macedonia.

The Probistip region has been well-known since Roman times for its mineral wealth and mining industry, which flourished during Yugoslav times. It has a long tradition of hearty country eating, and is close to both the stunning Monastery of Gavril Lesnovski (dedicated to St. Archangel Michael and St. Gavril Lesnovski) and the unearthly stone formations of Kuklica. The mines of Zletovo give most of the natural materials that are processed in Probistip. Probistip is situated on the road between Kratovo on other, and Stip and Kocani on the other side.

Climate & When to come in Probistip

There are two climate districts in Probistip area according to the relief: district of temperate climate, with elements of changed-Mediterranean climate and mountainous climate district. As mountainous area it’s characterized by cool summer, cold spring and autumn, and cold and snow winter. The middle yearly air temperature amounts about 13°C, while the middle temperature in winter moves from 1°C – 30°C, and in summer it moves from 21°C – 25°C.

Probistip tourist attractions

• Lesnovo monastery – Probistip Lesnovo village is located in the vicinity of Probistip, 900-1000 meters above sea level. The village monastery St. Gavril Lesnovski was constructed in 1347 by the ruler Oliver 1st. The monastery is known for its manuscript-writing school and the wood-carved iconostasis from 1811, a work of art performed by the Mijak craftsman. The monastery is the centre of the Christianity in this part of the country and has been visited by many during religious holiday services. The Church of the Holy Archangels in Lesnovo. The village Lesnovo is 17 kilometers from Probistip. An asphalted road leads to it. The village has its own authentic architecture and an enormous very old ethnological collection. The Lesnovo environment is very interesting – the landscape is predominately rocks, naturally sculptured, among which the most impressive one is the so-called “Virgin Mary with a Child”. 4.37 km ENE from Probistip center