Gradeshnica
Gradeshnica lies near of border mountain ranges Nidze, Kravica Kozjak and Dobro Field. In such an environment and a location about 800 meters above sea level in Gradeshnica and its surroundings mostly mountain climate prevails. Through the village passes Gradeshka River which has always played a life-giving role for the local population.
Precisely since when the village Gradeshnica exists is not known, but according to written documents it is posible to say that it is one of the older villages in Mariovo. One legend says that long ago to this place settled a few families from neighboring villages Grmaje and Leshnica and they form Gradeshnica village. Grmaja settlement, which was located in the area Grmadite and rural settlement Leshnica which was by the eponymous river, do not exist today.
In 1961 Gradeshnica numbering 175 households with about 1019 residents, but unfortunately the migration processes have affected Mariovo and in Gradeshnica today stayed barely 70 residents to an average age over 65 years.
The population in Gradeshnica as in whole Mariovo and from eternity until today with great respect refers to the Christian holidays of the Orthodox religion. Despite most holidays are celebrated as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter others from long ago in Gradeshnica for village holiday is declared St. Ilia - Ilinden. On this holiday for whole Macedonian population all residents from Gradeshnica go to the monastery of St. Ilia , located in the area Bren near the village. There is rich monastic lunch prepared, being slaughtered a few sheep and lambs which are given by villagers pastoralists. Also on this holiday many migrated people are back home, to see their relatives and friends, and to celebrate the feast of their birthplaces, and while in every village house there are rich prepared meals for the guests.
In Gradesnica has more churches dedicated to various saints like St. Nicholas, St. George, St. Demetrius, St. Atanas - Atanasica, St. Spas and other, which testify to the cultural and spiritual heritage of people of this country.
Throughout history the population of Gradesnica as a whole Mariovo passed through many difficult periods, under Ottoman rule, the Balkan wars, World War, under Serbian rule, the Second World War (under the Bulgarian rule), and finally socialism with his collectivization. During the First World War, Gradeshnica was almost completely destroyed and burnt while from tellings of the old people the only were not ruined ".... Kovacevski's house and church St. Demetrius "on which roof fell grenade, but not exploded. The reason for this tragedy was that the line of the Solun's Front crossed here in the vicinity of Gradeshnica where ware fought fierce battles. Even today after nearly a century around Gradeshnica can be seen violent changes in the terrain from excavated trenches and heavy shelling while sometimes can be found and various unexploded grenades, helmets, bayonets, matarki, rusty pipes from guns, cannons etc. . In 2007 "The Associated Press", "BBC News" and numerous other media reported that near Gradeshnica where ware discovered several bottles of rare French cognac from World War I, and that the value of each individual bottle can fetch up to 5000 euros .
It is interesting to note, that according to legend Itar Pejo, a character from folk legends and tales embodiment of mariovo's wisdom and joke, was born in Gradeshnica.