Macedonia stamps year 1996 Architecture Villages Houses

Macedonia stamps year 1996 Architecture Villages Houses MNH**

In 1996, the Republic of Macedonia (now North Macedonia) issued a beautiful philatelic series dedicated to Traditional Architecture, specifically focusing on village houses. This set is a favorite among collectors of Balkan stamps and architectural themes.

The 1996 “Traditional Houses” Set

Issued on December 20, 1996, this series consists of three stamps, each depicting a unique house from different rural regions. The designs highlight the “bondruk” construction style (timber framing with stone/mud infill) and the distinct regional adaptations to the landscape.

Architectural Highlights

• House in Nystrovo: Represents the Upper Reka region style. These houses are known for their verticality and the use of massive stone for the ground floor to protect against heavy mountain snow.
• House in Brodec: Typical of the Skopska Crna Gora region, these often feature wide open porches (called chardaks) used for drying crops and social gatherings.
• House in Nyvishte: This style is characteristic of the Prespa region, reflecting a blend of lake-side and mountain village influences.

Technical Details

• Perforation: 10
• Print Quantity: The 2 Denar stamp had a larger run (approx. 1,000,000), while the 8 and 10 Denar stamps were more limited (approx. 500,000 each).
• Availability: These are generally easy to find in MNH (Mint Never Hinged) condition for a few dollars.