 Project description
A group of 15 handicapped persons received training in woodcarving and engraving. They had made 40 woodcarving pieces that were displayed at exhibitions in Strumica, Skopje, and elsewhere in Macedonia. The project “The Woodcarving Phoenix in the Strumica Area” has been carried out by the “Ergos” association in cooperation with the staff and beneficiaries of the Institute for Protection and Rehabilitation of Handicapped Persons in the Bansko Spa. They have received tools from the PHARE Programme and have been making efforts towards further development of this activity with the help of the Association of Emigrants, the Macedonian Orthodox Church, and the Ministry of Culture.
Contact
Stevan Tomovski, Association for Improvement of the Professional Orientation and Employment of Handicapped Persons ERGOS, 3 Apostol Guslarot St., 1000 Skopje, 02/3109-642; 02/3124-327; 070-222-353, estek@mt.net.mk
Zlatko Stojanovski, The Bansko Spa Institution, 070/611-051
Location
The Bansko Spa, Strumica region, southeastern Macedonia
 About the Bansko Spa
The Bansko Spa is located near Strumica, at the foot of the Belasica Mountain. The thermal mineral springs of the Bansko Spa were famous as early as in Roman times, which is testified by archeological remains of old Roman therms. Near the Spa there is a linden and chestnut forest and there are clear springs. Climate conditions are very favourable for psycho-physical recreation. Summers are fresh as the snow remains on the top of the Belasica Mountain throughout the year. Winters are mild due to warm waters warming up the soil. In the Bansko Spa there is an Institute for Protection and Rehabilitation providing care, rehabilitation, and education of physically handicapped persons having a capacity of 65 beds.
How to reach the Bansko Spa?
You can reach the Bansko Spa from Strumica, on an asphalt road 15 kilometres long.
You can reach Strumica from Skopje (coaches run every hour), and from Strumica to the Bansko Spa there is a city bus line five times a day (departure from Strumica at 6.30, 9.30, 12.30, 14.15 and 17.30 hours, return at 7.30, 10.30, 13.30, 15.15 and 18.30 hours).
 Where to stay overnight?
There is a hotel in the Bansko Spa called “Tsar Samoil”, “B” category with 240 beds; the hotel has two semi-Olympic swimming pools and a smaller swimming pool for physical therapy patients. Today, the Bansko Spa disposes of 400-450 beds in various categories for guest accommodation.
Local specifics
The Bansko Spa is characteristic for its warm mineral waters having curative effects. Swimming pools filled with such water may be used at the “Tsar Samoil” hotel, where you can also try an egg boiled in the warm springs' waters, having a specific taste. While in the Bansko Spa, try the tasteful tomatoes, pepers, watermelons and other vegetables and fruits grown in this area.
What can you see in the surroundings?
When you visit the Bansko Spa, do not miss to visit the monasteries of Vodoca and Veljusa. Nearby is located the Monospitovo wetland, a relict from the glacial period, especially interesting for its living world. In the nearby village of Mokrino, visit the Mokrino Springs, and you can also have lunch and some refreshment in the Panorama restaurant. Two waterfalls, one in each village Smolari and Kolesino, are located nearby.
|
