Bitola has been established during the reign of the Macedonian King Samuilo, since when it bears the name derived from the Slavic word "obitelj" /family/ due to large number of churches and monasteries. During the Ottoman era Bitola was the trade and administrative center with developed trade of wool, wheat, wax and leather. Bitola is still rich in the numerous cultural monuments and various marks of its rich historical and cultural inheritance. The city was known as “the City of Consuls” on account of the 12 diplomatic consuls who resided here from the time of the Berlin Congress of 1878 to 1913, when the Balkan wars terminated the Ottoman Empire and Bitola became part of the Kingdon of Yugoslavia, later constituent Republic of the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslava. The old part of Bitola featuring preserved architecture and bazaar-market and turn-of-the-century importance as a center for diplomacy within the Ottoman Empire – while also exemplifying the country's time-honored cafe culture. The main street of Bitola - Shirok Sokak dominates with its specific individualism and beauty, featuring monumental urban folklore buildings, and colorful oriental and western European architecture, that is the most popular meeting point of both locals and visitors. Bitola and its surrounding are very rich in cultural and historical monuments that testify on the rich cultural and spiritual activity - The Clock Tower, Bezistan /covered oriental market/, Isak Chelebi Mosque, Ieni Mosque /present day Art Gallery/, Jewish Synagogue, the Church of "St. Dimitria", the Old Bazaar - Stara carsija, the Prison-tower, St. Bogorodica Church... Bitola is nicknamed "city of consuls" due to numerous colorful foreign consulates and is the second largest city in Macedonia with population of about 100000 inhabitants.

Heraclea Lyncestis

Famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater and Roman baths, Heraclea Linkestis is the most vividly preserved city from the Ancient Macedonian Empire surviving in the country. It is believed that Heraclea was founded in the 4th century B.C. by the Philip of Macedonia and conquered by the Romans two centuries later /in 168 B.C./. Heraclea Lynkestis was built in the vast fertile Pelagonia plain and on the Via Egnatia and became one of the key stations on this trading route. From the 4th-6th centuries A.D. Heraclea Lynkestis also was an Episcopal seat. The first excavations in Heraclea Lynkestis were carried out before the First World War, but only since then have the full glories of the ancient city been revealed. Beautiful Roman baths, the Episcopal church, three-nave Basilica and baptistery, wonderful statue of Hercules, money minted by glorious king /amongst them Alexander the Great/, a Jewish temple, portico and a Roman theater wonderfully decorated by rich floor mosaics. Heraclea mosaics are considered the best preserved and artistically most valuable works of that period not only in Macedonia but in the world. Heraclea Lynkestis hoards and treasury which survive in excellent condition are present day used for summer concerts and theater shows.Heraclea Lynkestis archaeological site is 2,5 km away from center of Bitola.

Middle Byzantine Tour

Macedonia Mountaineering and Trekking

Taste of Macedonia

Serbia and Macedonia Cultural Tour B 1

Serbia and Macedonia Cultural Tour B 2