The most important cultural attraction of Mavrovo and one of the most important spiritual places for the Macedonians, St Jovan Bigorski Monastery was established in 1020. It was destroyed following Ottoman takeover and rebuilt beginning in 1743. Situated on a mountainside near the road connecting Debar and Gostivar, the monastery is noted for its wood-carved iconostasis, done by Petre Filipov-Garkata from 1829 to 1835, as well as its icon collection which contains icons dating from the 11th century. In addition to the main church dedicated to St John the Baptist, the monastery contains many other structures in its perched location. Visitors are required to dress modestly; skirts and shawls are provided for women at the entrance, as well as loose pants for men.