Kokino skies

The Megalithic Observatory Kokino is located in the north-eastern part of the Republic of Macedonia, at 19km to the northeast of the town Kumanovo and in the vicinity of the village Kokino.
The more detailed archaeo-astronomical research carried out in the following two years showed that the locality has all the characteristics of a holy place, but also of an older observatory for observation of celestial objects. The most important characteristic of the observatory includes positions for observation.




Special markers of stone have been found, used for marking all characteristics points of the movement of the Sun and Moon on the east horizon. The observatory used a method of stationary observation, marking positions of the Sun at the winter and summer solstice, as well as the equinox.
The dominant location and the monumental appearance of the stone seats (thrones), the distinctly made stone markers, trenches, access paths and formed rite spaces - are a testimony of one original monumental art expressed through the skill of designing a space in a rocky area.
The making of the calendar was one of the basic functions of the megalithic observatory "Kokino". Most probably, the announcement for the days when the most important events start was made by lighting fire on the mountain top located behind the thrones. This spot opens a view in a radius of more than 30km, and hence the fire could be seen by the inhabitants of all surrounding places.
The ancient observatory "Kokino" represents an exceptionally well structured and organized area on the two hanging platforms united in the performing of their joint function: observing the movement of the Sun and the Moon and marking of the extreme positions.

The megalithic observatory "Kokino" represents an original and integral complex formed 3900 years ago.

American Space Agency NASA in 2005 ranged Megalithic Observatory Kokino on the 4-th place on the World’s Ancient Observatories list. 1. Abu Simbel, Egypt. 2. Stonehenge, UK, 3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia. 4. Kokino observatory, Macedonia 5. Goeck, Germany.

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