Varvara on the Left Bank of the Markova Reka

Varvara lies on the left bank of the Markova Reka, about 14 kilometres south of central Skopje. The river identifies its immediate location; the approximate distance provides a second point of reference in relation to the city. Both reference points describe the place from different perspectives.

Roads and orientation

The road information also uses different reference points. The road through the Markova Reka valley continues to Nova Breznica and connects the villages at the foot of the Karađica. Varvara lies on the road towards Markov Manastir and Lake Kozjak. The first description concerns the continuation of the road and the connection between the villages; the second names a direction along a road where Varvara is located. For map orientation, the course of the valley and the direction of travel can be read separately.

Historical references to the place

A description dated 20 December 2025 characterised Varvara as a historic, completely abandoned village in the municipality of Opština Sopište.

Przhali Necropolis

The Przhali Necropolis is nearby, about one kilometre east of Varvara. It is situated on a gentle slope near the confluence of the Lokva Popova stream and the Markova Reka. A 2015 archaeological study describes the larger area of agricultural land as being cultivated year-round. The necropolis is on private land. A gentle slope refers to slightly sloping terrain, not a flat area.

The river references differ: Varvara lies on the left bank of the Markova Reka, while the location of the necropolis is also described in terms of the confluence of the Lokva Popova stream and the same river. The bank and the confluence are therefore different reference points for the village and for a place in its surroundings.

The distances also have different reference points: Varvara is about 14 kilometres from central Skopje, while Przhali is about one kilometre from Varvara. The first figure locates the village in relation to the city; the second locates the necropolis in relation to the village. When reading a map, it is therefore important to note not just the number, but also which places are being compared.

A recorded cycling tour

There is a route description for cyclists with a specified date. A cycling tour recorded by a user in May 2021 goes from Aerodrom to Markov Monastery. On the return, it passes through Varvara, Batinci, Dračevo, and Pintija before returning to Aerodrom. The recording is user-generated and is not an official route designation. Varvara features as a place on the return journey; Markov Monastery is the destination on the outward journey. If you use the tour for a ride, check current route conditions before setting off. For choosing a location, the tour description adds a specific travel reference to the geographical information, without replacing the location details.

For the broader travel overview: Studenichani.