Backpacking in Bitola | North Macedonia
Bitola, North Macedonia's 2nd largest city and one you have probably never even heard of. Me included until a few days ago.
Širok Sokak, Широк Сокак in Macedonian is a long pedestrian street and is considered to be the centre of Bitola.
Širok Sokak is lined with neo-classical buildings that contain stores, cafés and restaurants. It is also home to several consulates.
Pre WW2 it was the Jewish neighbourhood.
Širok Sokak is lined with neo-classical buildings that contain stores, cafés and restaurants. It is also home to several consulates.
Pre WW2 it was the Jewish neighbourhood.
Bitola was also known as "the city of the consuls". In the final period of Ottoman rule (1878-1912), Bitola had consulates from twelve countries. Source WikiTravel
There are still quite a few. Many occupy the same building.
There are still quite a few. Many occupy the same building.
Russian Consulate in Bitola, North Macedonia:
Bulgarian Consulate in Bitola. Check out the sentry box!:
At the northern end of Širok Sokak is the clock tower:
And a statue of King Phillip II on his horse, right near the Russian consulate:
And on the northern side of the river that runs through town, lots of prominent buildings with very impressive architecture:
Josip Broz Tito High School in Bitola:
Josip Broz Tito High School in Bitola:
Congress of Bitola House:
Some impressive but sadly derelict buildings off the main drag:
A short walk to the South of town is Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient Greek city, founded by Phillip II of Macedon (the guy on the horse) in the 4th Century BC. Though most if what is discovered is from the Roman era. Entrance fee is 120MD
Heraclea is famous for its mosaics (can't argue with that!):
It's very much a work in progress:
