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Artwork Saved from Monastery Fire
Skopje | 30 September 2009 | Sinisa-Jakov Marusic
The monastery complex dates back to the 11th century
The older section of the monks' quarters, dining room and library were caught by the flames, local media report. No one was injured.
Media reports say the complex's most notable artwork, a hand-crafted wooden iconostasis located in the church of St. John the Baptist, has survived.
The monks also managed to save other important items.
Five firefighting vehicles and one helicopter were sent to the site to extinguish the blaze. A police investigation is underway into the cause of the blaze.
“According to initial information, a problem in the power and gas systems in the kitchen is the most probable cause for the fire”, the deputy head of the Protection and Rescue Directorate, Ekrem Zendeli told media.
The monastery is located in western Macedonia, on the road between the towns of Gostivar and Debar, situated in the picturesque surroundings of the Radika River.
It is believed that the monastery complex dates back to the 11th century. The famous iconostasis, which is considered a masterpiece of Orthodox Christian art, was made at the beginning of the 19th century.
2009-09-30 18:01:50