Kocani

We visited Kocani (Kochani) for a few hours on our way from Kriva Palanka to Berovo.

The Kochanska River flows through the city, several bridges connect the two parts.

Monument of Liberty

The Monument of Liberty lies on a hill above Kocani. You have a good view over the town from here.

The monument was built in 1981 and has very colorful graffiti-like mosaics. It can also function as a open air theater.

When we visited in 2011, it was not in great state anymore, slightly overgrown and a lot of the stones and pavement were broken.

We were welcomed by a shy donkey! Address: Cyril and Methodius; Directions: N41.91856 E22.40725

Defense Towers

This Ottoman Defense Tower was probably built in the second half of the 17th century. It can be found west of the river, and is in better condition than the tower on the east side of the river.

Note the wooden hatch in the balcony, just above the entrance. This was probably used to throw hot oil on enemies attempting to enter the tower. Address: Ivan Milutinovikj; Directions: N41.92159 E22.40919

This medieval Ottoman Defense Tower is located east of the Kocani River. It was also built in the second half of the 17th century. Address: Rade Kratovche; Directions: N41.92331 E22.41195

Church of St George

This church dedicated to St George was built in 2006.

There’s a smaller church on the grounds as well. Address: Ilindenska;
Directions: N41.91721 E22.40837

Pizza!

We had a quick lunch in this pizzeria at the shopping center of Kocani I had a pastrmajlija (Macedonian-style pizza) with an exaggerated amount of pork meat (no complaints there!) and my girlfriend had a vegetarian pizza. This cost about 500 MKD (about 8 euros) including several softdrinks. Address: Near Dimitar Vlahov;
Directions: N41.91777 E22.41036

Vinica and Morodvis

If you are in Kocani, you can visit the neighboring towns Vinica and Morodvis. Vinica has an interesting archeological site which used to be a Kale (fortress).

In Morodvis there are the ruins of a basilica from the 5th century.