Project’s description
Inhabitants from Topusko neighborhood and the Environmental Association “Planetum” from Strumica have restored the old splendor of Maiden Well. Apart from being a water-supply facility, it is again the place where young and elderly people gather together. The well has renewed the traditional values and habits of the local population. The plateau of the well, and the well itself, were reconstructed as part of the project „Maiden Well”. The whole neighbourhood has street-lights now, and an Info Board has been put up as well. Maiden Well is once again a cultural and historical resource that has restored the traditional values and habits of the local population.

Contact
Slavco Georgiev, Environmental Association “Planetum”
22 December Street, Strumica
tel: 034/331-416, planetum@mt.net.mk, www.planetum.org.mk .

Location
Topusko neighborhood, Strumica, Southeast Macedonia

About Topusko and the Maiden Well:
The neighbourhood Topusko lies in the heart of the old part of Strumica. It is a typically old city neighbourhood, with dense houses, narrow streets and preserved neighbourly mentality. Maiden Well is located in the centre of Topusko, in the foothill of Elenica and the former main road, that used to take you to Thessalonica, and nowadays takes you the localities Cam-Ciflik, Carevi Kuli (King’s Towers) and the monastery St. Ilija. The water in the well comes from two springs - one of them known as Cuka.

How to reach Topusko neighbourhood:
You can reach Strumica from Skopje by car or by bus. Buses run every hour on the road Skopje-Veles-Stip-Radovis-Strumica. There are regular buses from the nearby towns as well. In summer, one can also use the bus Struga-Ohrid-Strumica. Topusko is located on the hill, in the vicinity of the centre of Strumica.

Where can one stay overnight?
In Strumica you can stay overnight in the hotels “Sirius” and “Ilinden”, as well as the motels “Terminal Transped” and “Makedonska kuka” (Macedonian House).

Local particularities
Strumica is famous for its Carnival that originates from pagan times. The Carnival makes the city a special place and is an important part of the cultural tradition. Strumica is a city that cherishes its culture through several events, such as the Chamber Theatre Festival “Risto Siskov” and the International Art Colony. The region is known for its traditional agricultural production – the peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers from Strumica are known nationwide. Local restaurants offer delicious salads, served with the aperitif “Strumica mastika”. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the famous “Strumica ajvar”, as well as the preserves from figs, quinces and other fruits.

What Do the Surroundings Offer?
There are two monasteries from the 10th century near Strumica - “St. Mary” in Veljusa and “St. Leontij” in Vodoca. In the city, you can visit the archaeological site near the church Saint Fifteen Tiveriopol Martyrs and the location Orta Mosque. King’s Towers, from the 6th century, and the monastery St. Ilija from the 14th century, are located on Mountain Elenica, just above the city. In the vicinity of the city, 15-20 kilometres away, you can enjoy in the thermal spa “Banja Bansko” with remains from the Roman terms, as well as the magnificent Smolare and Kolesino waterfalls, located at the foothill of Mountain Belasica. Village Mokrino is also near, with its miraculous springs, as well as the village Monospitovo with its glacial relict – Monospitovo mud. Three kilometres from the city, on the right side of the road Strumica-Veljusa, is the tomb of Struma - the legendary sister of King Marko - after whom the city was named.