Negotino is a town in central North Macedonia, serving as the administrative seat of the Negotino Municipality in the Vardar Region. With a population of approximately 12,488 as of 2021, it is renowned as a hub for viticulture in the fertile Tikveš plain, producing 20-25 million kilograms of grapes annually and hosting major wineries like Bovin, Lazar, and Venec. The town's history spans from ancient Macedonian foundations through Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences, marked by earthquakes, wars, and economic shifts tied to trade routes and agriculture.
Archaeological Site of Antigoneia
Perched on a hill at the
northern entrance to Negotino, the Archaeological Site of Antigoneia
(also known as Antigona or Antigonia) represents the remnants of an
ancient city founded by Macedonian King Antigonus II Gonatas between 277
and 240 BC, following his conquest of Paionia. Strategically positioned
along the Vardar River valley, it served as a vital trade and military
outpost during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The site endured
through Byzantine times but was likely destroyed by a massive earthquake
in the 6th century that devastated much of Macedonia. Excavations have
revealed structures like walls, foundations, and artifacts, including
Roman coins and terracotta lamps, providing insights into daily life,
craftsmanship, and cultural exchanges. Though not extensively developed
for tourism, the ruins offer panoramic views over the town and
surrounding valleys, making it a peaceful spot for history enthusiasts.
Access is free, but the terrain is uneven—wear sturdy shoes and visit in
the morning to avoid heat. It's located near the railway station, with
coordinates around N41.48439 E22.09278.
Clock Tower (Saat Kula)
The iconic Clock Tower, or Saat Kula, stands as Negotino's most
recognizable landmark, built in 1821 by the Turkish bey Hadzi Tahir-aga
Sinan from nearby Kavadarci during Ottoman rule. This hexagonal stone
structure rises about 15 meters, with thick walls of crushed stone
blocks and an Arabic inscription above the western entrance detailing
its history. Originally topped with a wooden clock mechanism (now
demolished), it survived a 1913 fire during the Balkan Wars but lost its
functional clock, now serving more as a pigeon habitat than a
timekeeper. Perched on a hill overlooking the town, it offers sweeping
views of the Vardar Valley and symbolizes Negotino's Ottoman past as a
trade center. Visitors can peek inside through a wall opening where the
door once stood, revealing remnants of wooden beams. It's easily
accessible on foot from the town center, with no entry fee—best visited
at sunset for atmospheric photos. Coordinates: N41.48439 E22.09278.
Monastery of St. George (Saint Great Martyr Georgij Monastery)
Located a few kilometers northeast of Negotino near the train station,
the Monastery of St. George dates back to 1860 and is a functioning
Orthodox complex steeped in legend and spirituality. According to local
lore, it was rebuilt on ancient church foundations after a bey's
daughter had a prophetic dream of plowing furrows and discovering plates
depicting St. George slaying a dragon, leading to Turkish assistance in
its construction amid her illness. The site features a central church
dedicated to St. George, a bell tower, monastery inns, kitchens, and
shared facilities. Nearby, 26 natural springs are believed to have
healing properties, attracting pilgrims for rituals like drinking the
water or washing eyes for health benefits. The monastery offers
overnight stays in renovated rooms (around 600 denar or €10 per person
for foreigners as of 2012, with shared options cheaper), making it a
serene base for exploring the region. It's surrounded by greenery, with
animals like sheep and goats often present, adding to its rustic charm.
Visitors should respect monastic rules, dress modestly, and note that
water from some springs needs boiling. Phone: +389 (0)43 360 091;
coordinates: N41.49336 E22.10790.
Tikveš Wine Region and Wineries
Negotino lies at the epicenter of the Tikveš Wine Region, North
Macedonia's premier viticultural area, producing 20-25 million kilograms
of grapes annually across sun-drenched hills ideal for varieties like
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vranec, and Merlot. This fertile plain,
with its Mediterranean climate, has made the town a wine capital, home
to renowned wineries such as Tikveš Winery, Bovin, Lazar, and Venec.
Visitors can tour cellars, learn about production from sommeliers, and
enjoy tastings paired with local cuisine—often informal and
budget-friendly. The region hosts harvest festivals, blending ancient
Dionysian traditions with modern celebrations. For a deeper experience,
join guided tours or cycle through vineyards for scenic views of
mountains and valleys. It's accessible year-round, but autumn harvests
offer the most vibrant atmosphere.
Church of St. Athanasius
Nestled next to the concrete riverbed running through Negotino, the
Church of St. Athanasius (also called St. Atanas) is a 19th-century
Orthodox gem built in 1837, as indicated by an inscription above its
entrance. Featuring traditional Byzantine architecture with stonework
and frescoes, it serves as a cultural and religious hub, especially
during holidays. The church's interior houses intricate icons and murals
depicting saints, reflecting Macedonian Orthodox artistry. It's easily
reachable in the town center (coordinates: N41.48776 E22.09330) and free
to visit, though donations are appreciated. Combine a stop here with a
walk along the nearby Vardar River promenade for a peaceful afternoon.
Other Notable Sights
Museum of Negotino: Housed in a 1925
building converted into a tourist center in 2009 (Zelkova Kuka), this
museum displays artifacts from local history, including Roman and
Byzantine items. Open weekdays 8:00-16:30 with a lunch break; call +389
(0)75 298 169 for access. It's a great starting point for context on the
region's past.
World War II Monument: Along the main road, this
solemn memorial honors locals fallen in WWII, reflecting Negotino's
20th-century struggles. It's a quick, reflective stop in the town center
(N41.48371 E22.08842).
Local Bazaar and Festivals: The bustling
bazaar offers fresh produce, crafts, and Macedonian delicacies,
embodying local hospitality. Key events include the February 14 Festival
of Wine (honoring St. Trifun with tastings and rituals) and the
September 21 Negotino Fair, blending culture, food, and community
gatherings.
Surrounding Natural Attractions: The Ovče Pole Plain and
River Vardar Promenade provide trails for birdwatching, picnics, and
riverside cafes. Nearby Stobi Archaeological Site (a short drive)
complements Antigoneia with Roman ruins like amphitheaters.
Ancient History and Origins
The roots of Negotino trace back to
antiquity, with evidence of a settlement in the area during the
Hellenistic period. Between 278 and 242 BC, King Antigonus II Gonatas
founded the city of Antigoneia after his conquest of Paionia,
positioning it strategically along the central Vardar River valley,
about twelve Roman miles south of the ancient city of Stobi on the vital
road to Thessaloniki. The site, now known as Gradiste near Negotino's
railway station, has yielded significant archaeological findings,
including Roman coins, precious jewelry, and artifacts from the Roman
and Byzantine eras, indicating continuous habitation and trade
importance. Excavations from 2007 to 2014 by Macedonian and Polish
archaeologists uncovered 157 terracotta lamps and production molds,
cataloged chronologically to reveal insights into daily life,
craftsmanship, and cultural exchanges from Hellenistic through Roman
times. Another notable site, the "Ormankov Grave" located 6 kilometers
south of Negotino, has produced golden artifacts, further underscoring
the region's ancient wealth and burial practices. The ancient city
endured until the 11th century, when a catastrophic earthquake
devastated much of Macedonia, destroying Antigoneia along with other
major centers like Skupi, Stobi, Heraclea Lyncestis, Astibo, and
Idomena.
Medieval Period
Following its ancient heyday, the
settlement at Antigoneia persisted into the medieval era but faced
decline after the 11th-century earthquake. The region was part of the
broader medieval Macedonian landscape, influenced by Byzantine rule
until the late 14th century. As a craft settlement in the late Middle
Ages, it laid the groundwork for later urban development, though
specific medieval events or structures in Negotino are sparsely
documented, with the focus shifting to post-earthquake rebuilding and
regional trade.
Ottoman Period (Late 14th to Early 20th Century)
The Ottoman Empire incorporated the area around 1385, with Ali Pasha
establishing a new settlement that evolved into modern Negotino. Under
Ottoman rule, which lasted over 500 years until 1913, the town grew as a
craft and trade center, benefiting from its location in the Ottoman
territories of what is now North Macedonia. Key infrastructure emerged
in the 19th century, including the hexagonal Clock Tower (Saat Kula),
constructed around 1821 or in the first half of the century, which
served as a prominent landmark until damaged by fire in 1913. Religious
sites like the Church of St. Athanasius (built in 1837) and the
Monastery of St. George (1860, located a few kilometers northeast and
still functioning today) reflect Christian continuity amid Ottoman
dominance. The Negotinski Konak, a restored Ottoman-era residence,
offers glimpses into 19th-century local life. Population records from
1900, compiled by Bulgarian ethnographer Vasil Kanchov, show 2,395
inhabitants: 1,925 Bulgarian Christians, 320 Bulgarian Muslims, 90
Vlachs, and 60 Romani, highlighting ethnic diversity under Ottoman
administration. The construction of the Prilep–Stip road in the 19th
century elevated Negotino's role as a stopping station, fostering growth
into a proper town.
Early 20th Century: Balkan Wars, World Wars,
and Yugoslav Era
The Balkan Wars (1912–1913) marked the end of
Ottoman control, with Negotino suffering damage, including the 1913 fire
that affected the Clock Tower. From 1913 onward, it came under Serbian
and later Yugoslav administration. Between the wars, from 1929 to 1941,
Negotino was part of the Vardar Banovina in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
During World War II, the town experienced occupation and conflict,
commemorated by a monument to the fallen. Post-war, as part of socialist
Yugoslavia, Negotino saw infrastructure improvements, including the A1
highway and railway connecting Skopje to Gevgelija and Greece, boosting
transport and economy. The focus on agriculture, particularly vineyards,
solidified its role in the Tikveš wine region.
Modern Era
(1990s–Present)
Following North Macedonia's independence in 1991,
Negotino has emphasized its wine heritage and tourism, with attractions
like the Museum of Negotino (housed in a 1925-converted building, now a
tourist center) and natural sites in the surrounding plain. The
population has remained stable but reflects broader national trends of
rural-urban migration; from 2,395 in 1900 to 12,488 in 2021, with
Macedonians forming the majority (about 58% nationally, though local
figures align). Ethnic composition includes Albanians (24% nationally),
Turks, Romani, and Serbs, with historical minorities like Vlachs
persisting. Economically, it thrives on grape varieties such as
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Vranec, alongside light industry and
transport links. Despite challenges like depopulation in rural areas
(North Macedonia's urban population is 58.21%), Negotino positions
itself as a gateway to cultural and natural heritage, blending ancient
ruins with modern viticultural prowess.