To the east of Lake Ohrid, the laid-back city of Prilep is perched amongst the rocky hills and roaming fields of the North Macedonian countryside. It’s often skipped over in favor of some of the surrounding towns on the way to Skopje, however, I think it’s worth a night or two stopover to see all of its wonderful sights.
The main attraction here is Marko’s Towers, a ruined castle on the outskirts of town that’s steeped in history and boasts some of the best sunset views in the country. But, that was only part of the reason I grew fond of the city right from the get-go.
As I walked through the serene old town, peering up at the leaning tower that overlooks the city’s tiny bazaar, it dawned on me that this is one of the most underrated cities I’ve visited in the Balkans.
In this guide to Prilep, I’ll share some of the highlights of my visit, including tips on where to stay and how to get around. I also share some awesome day trips to do if you’re looking to dive deeper into the southern part of North Macedonia.
Here are some of the best things to do in Prilep, North Macedonia.
Head up to Marko’s Towers
From afar Marko’s Towers look non-existent, as the ruins blend in seamlessly with the rocky hilltop they are built upon. But, when you get closer you’ll start to notice the broken walls and crumbling towers that were once part of a mighty fortress.
My main reason for stopping in Prilep was to visit these shattered remains and they did not disappoint!
The earliest remains are said to be from the Hellenistic period, but the towers, named after the Serbian prince Marko Mrnjavčević, weren’t built until medieval times. It was used as a palace by him and his father in this era and was historically important when Marko eventually became ruler of the Kingdom of Prilep.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE REALM OF KING MARKO
(KINGDOM OF PRILEP)
The Kingdom of Prilep was a short-lived successor state, lasting from only 1371 until 1395 when its ruler King Marko died fighting in the Battle of Rovine.
It came about when Marko was crowned as the young king of the Serbian Empire after succeeding his father Vukašin. The seats of power at the time were the cities of Prizren and Skopje, but when Marko’s father died a power struggle between feudal lords ensued causing his kingdom to shrink and his capital to move to Prilep.
It became a vassal state of invading Ottoman Turks who eventually called upon him to fight in the battle that would eventually cost him his life.
Marko’s Towers (Markovi Kuli) are free to enter and easy to explore, although you’ll want to bring a pair of hiking shoes with you. It’s located just above the Varoš neighborhood, north of the city center.
The whole area is well looked after for the most part, and unsurprisingly, has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2004.
You’ll know you’re heading in the right direction when you come across a giant rock slab dubbed ‘The Elephant Rock.’ It’s hard to miss, as it stands alone and has a protruding formation that resembles the trunk and head of an elephant.
Sunset On The Granite Stones
If you can manage it, I suggest coming to Marko’s Towers in the evening for sunset. The golden hour is crazy beautiful here, with the pale blue sky meeting a horizon painted with streaks of red and orange.
It even rivaled some of the technicolor sunsets in Himara and Dhermi that I grew accustomed to while traveling the Albanian Riviera.
Your best bet is to grab a seat on one of the giant, smooth granite stones that dot the hillside.
Or, if you want to see the rooftops of Prilep brighten from the sun, head up the stairs at the top of the hill to the base of the metal cross.
If you’re lucky, you’ll even have a chance to see a Hermann’s tortoise moseying around amongst the brush. I was surprised to see a few of the little reptiles climbing along the pathway near the ruined walls. Although, I learned later on that they are a common sight during the summer months.
The Leaning Tower And Burnt-down Mosque
At the heart of Prilep, a 19th-century clock tower, standing over 100 feet tall, soars over the city center. It’s a rather plain design, constructed with a simple neoclassical style and hexagonal shape after the previous one burnt down in a fire.
However, what makes it so distinctive is the slight lean it possesses.
While it doesn’t quite compare to the tower in Pisa, there is something oddly hypnotic about it. Maybe it’s the subtlety of the angle, which takes a moment to process as you gaze upon the stone exterior.
At night, at least in the summer months, children’s movies are projected onto its base as the day turns to night. During the morning, people gather in its shadow and sip coffee from one of the nearby cafes.
Across the square, past the Itar Pejo fountain, the tattered remains of a 15th-century mosque sit quietly in disarray. The Čarši Mosque (or Bazaar Mosque) as it’s called has an unpleasant and rather unfortunate history.
A substantial portion of the mosque was destroyed in the same fire as the original clock tower. And, just like that building, it was rebuilt. However, in the early 2000s it was once again set ablaze, but this time in response to the death of Prilep locals at the hands of the National Liberation Army.
There were efforts to rebuild again, but the locals opposed it, so it sits in the current state for the foreseeable future.
Walk around the Park of the Revolution
For a little slice of nature and a taste of Prilep’s modern history, head over to the Park of the Revolution at the southern edge of the city. It’s a well-maintained public area that pays remembrance to those who lost their lives fighting for the People’s Liberation Struggle during WWII.
The park’s main sight is a memorial complex called Burial Mounds of the Undefeated that consists of a simple grave inscribed with the names of the people who fought and 8 white marble urns that look oddly similar to hand-carved chess pieces.
It’s a unique monument and one of the first created by architect Bogdan Bogdanović (not to be confused with the basketball player of the same name). He was commissioned to oversee many of the spomeniks, or commemorative monuments, created around the Balkans. They are often abstract, minimalist designs that immediately catch the eye.
If you’re ever in Mostar, I suggest checking out the Partisan Memorial, an otherworldly-looking cemetery that the architect helped create.
The Park of the Revolution also has a small bird park that you can wander through, as well as a few benches and well-groomed gardens to picnic at. If you’re traveling with kids, or want to escape the summer heat, you’ll also find a small aqua park the next block over.
Explore the Bazaar
Next to the leaning tower and burnt-down mosque is a small network of streets that make up Prilep’s local bazaar.
You can expect to see most of the things you would see at a traditional bazaar. There are boutique clothing shops, electronics, and souvenir stands along with corner stores.
At the southern end, the City Farmers Market is sheltered underneath a permanent overhang. Here is where you’ll find fruits and vegetables from the nearby villages. There isn’t anything too exotic, but the seasonal items are always of good quality.
If your accommodation has a kitchen and you want to “cook up” a meal, I’d start here as the prices are very reasonable.
Don’t be surprised if you see tobacco hanging around, North Macedonia is a huge producer of the crop, and it’s quite noticeable in Prilep. It might’ve just been the timing of when I was there, but freestanding tent structures were placed all around the city with tobacco plants hanging to dry inside them.
There’s even a tobacco museum (maps) down the street from Marko’s Towers, if you want to know the history of production in the area. They were closed the whole time I was in the city, so I would send them a message beforehand to see if they are open if you’re interested.
Try One Of The Local Brews
Prilep is home to one of North Macedonia’s most beloved breweries; Prilepska Pivarnica or simply the Prilep Brewery in English. Despite being a more modern brewhouse in the Balkans, it’s still going on 100 years of production.
There was a brutal heatwave on my visit, so cold beverages were the preferred choice in restaurants. And, their Zlaten Dab Lager seemed to be the preference amongst the locals. I saw the iconic green bottle at most tables, not just in Prilep, but all around the country.
It’s worth a try if you’re looking for a chilled local drink in the summer months. The brewery is constantly trying out new techniques and has a few more favorites in the Zlaten Dab Dark and Krali Marko Lager.
Fun Fact | The brewery is not all about beer though. They have the exclusive rights in North Macedonia to produce worldwide soda brands like Pepsi-Cola, Mirinda, and 7UP.
Stop By Some Of The Churches
Much like the rest of North Macedonia, you’re bound to come across a church or two while walking through Prilep.
You’ll want to temper expectations if you’re coming from a place like Lake Ohrid, as these buildings don’t have the sheer beauty of the Church of Saint John the Theologian or the significance of Sveti Naum Monastery.
However, there are still plenty of eye-catching churches with historical significance here.
Here are some churches worth checking out while you’re wandering around town:
Church of St. Cyril & Methodius | An impressive orthodox church, that’s right next to Town Square Aleksandria. The outside won’t wow you, but the inside has a couple of giant ornate chandeliers and a beautifully painted apse.
Monastery of St. Archangel Michael | A beautiful church complex that can be easily combined with a trip to Marko’s Towers, as it sits on the western side of the rocky hill. You’ll find colorful historic frescoes inside, and renovated. The buildings have that classic Ottoman-era look reminiscent of the traditional homes in cities around the Balkans like those in Gjirokaster, Albania. Just keep in mind when wandering the grounds that the nuns can be strict about photography, especially indoors.
Church of St. Paraskeva | The modern Orthodox church is in Prilep’s western neighborhoods just south of the Monastery of St. Archangel Michael. It’s very picturesque, especially when the adjacent arch tower lights up at night.
Treskavec Monastery (Holy Mother of God Monastery) | This 12th-century church is known for its ceiling frescoes and is one of the most popular religious buildings to visit in North Macedonia. It’s located around 5 miles north of the city on a hilltop in the countryside (maps) and has stunning views of the surrounding nature. At least that’s what I’ve heard, I regrettably didn’t make it here, although I could see it off in the distance when I was hiking behind Marko’s Towers.
Wander around the city and find the sculptures
After visiting North Macedonia, I’ve concluded that the country is infatuated with statues and sculptures. The joke in Skopje is that they outnumber the residents, and honestly, it wouldn’t be surprising if there was some truth to that statement.
Prilep isn’t quite as extravagant as that, but there are still dozens of statues scattered around the city.
The ones that immediately come to mind are the Alexander the Great Statue in the city park and the Monument of King Marko across the street in the town square. These two individuals play a huge part in the region’s long history, so, unsurprisingly, they’re immortalized in the form of imposing monuments.
The city park also has a few water fountains, a small one with a plaque that doubles as a memorial for Toše Proeski and another that’s surrounded by white stone statues and shoots blasts of water from the ground.
And of course, there’s the previously mentioned Burial Mounds of the Undefeated, along with bronze heads of Prilep’s heroes lining the stairs at the Park of the Revolution.
Head Out On A Day Trip
Prilep makes for a great jumping-off point to some of the country’s lesser-visited destinations in the south. Mostly those to the east of Ohrid that are often skipped over by travelers heading directly to Skopje.
You might have heard of a few of these places, especially Kruševo and Bitola if you’ve done some prior research about traveling North Macedonia.
Both of them are within an hour of Prilep and make for excellent day trips. While I’m normally all about slow travel, you can reasonably hit all their main sights in a single day.
Kruševo
The charming hilltop town is set in a picturesque part of the country, surrounded by forested hills and snow capped mountains. In the winter it’s a more touristy fairytale-type place, while in the warmer months, it becomes a sleepy town perfect for relaxing.
It’s gained notoriety among travelers in the Balkans for its cultural and ethnic diversity, being the home of the beloved singer Toše Proeski, and its funky monument dedicated to the organized rebellion against the Ottoman Empire known as the Ilinden Uprising.
Things to do in Kruševo on a day trip:
- Traverse the steep streets to the Ilinden Memorial (Makedonium) and see the unique architecture that makes it stand out.
- Cross the street and visit the Toše Proeski Memorial House to learn about North Macedonia’s idolized singer. Fun fact, Toše was born in Prilep back when it was still part of Yugoslavia.
- Have a walk around Kruševo Lake afterward and watch the local wildlife.
- Explore the tiny old bazaar, see some local craftsmen at work, and grab a bite of traditional Macedonian cuisine.
- Wander the streets to find some epic views of the town and countryside.
Getting There | Multiple buses go between Prilep and Kruševo every day. I didn’t remember the price, but it wasn’t anything crazy. The travel time is around 40 minutes each way.
Bitola
Known as “The City of Consuls” for its many European consulates during the Ottoman period, Bitola is one of the oldest and most historic cities in North Macedonia.
This was one of my must-visit places in the country, as it’s home to ancient Greek ruins and a picturesque old bazaar. And, in the end, its chilled-out city vibes and tasty health-conscious restaurants grew on me.
Things to do in Bitola on a day trip:
- Explore the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis and learn its importance to the ancient Greek, and later, Roman Empires. Make sure to check out the small amphitheater and colorful mosaics in the ruins of the large basilica.
- Head from the main fountain at Magnolia Square down the main walking street known as Shirok Sokak. Stop by one of the misted cafes if you’re looking for a break from the heat.
- Get lost in the streets of the old bazaar, search out the street art, and stop at one of the quirky bars. My personal favorite is Bar Carsija, which is set in the ruins of an old hammam.
For a more detailed look at the city, check out my detailed ‘Guide to Bitola.’
Getting There | Multiple buses go between Prilep and Bitola every day. The price when I was there was 130 MKD for a one-way ticket. The travel time was just under an hour. I heard that there’s a passenger train going between the two, but that it can be unreliable. It takes the same amount of time so I opted for the bus. If you do end up taking the train feel free to let me know how it goes!
Pelister National Park
On the outskirts of Bitola, you’ll find Pelister National Park with its forested mountains and diverse wildlife. Hiking is the main appeal here, with trails leading to the peak of Baba Mountain and a stunning lake known as Golemo Ezero (Large Lake).
You can expect amazing views and nice adventure through some of the region’s lesser-explored nature. While you can see the main highlights in a day if you’re keeping a good pace, It’s also possible to stay inside the park.
Getting There | The best option to visit Pelister National Park is by rental car. However, if that’s not an option, you can take a bus to Bitola and then hop on a local bus or take a taxi to one of the villages at the edge of the park. It’s only a 15 to 20-minute drive, so taxi prices shouldn’t be too crazy.
GETTING AROUND PRILEP
Most of the sights around Prilep can be reached by foot, although a taxi might be necessary for places like Treskavec Monastery.
For all buses out of the city, you’ll likely be leaving from the Prilep Bus Station (maps). This includes day trips to places like Bitola and Kruševo, as well as long-distance destinations like Skopje.
WHERE TO STAY IN PRILEP
Prilep isn’t a very touristy city and its accommodation options reflect that. You won’t find any massive chain hotels here, although family-run hotels are still around.
I was mostly choosing between apartments and properties with just a handful of rooms. The hospitality is usually great and many of the places have a kitchen to use in some capacity.
- Majestic Rooms&Apartments | A budget-friendly apartment that’s well-located. My partner and I stayed here and were happy with it. The owner was friendly, and although his English was limited, I was able to have a nice conversation with him in my broken French!
- DIONIS Rooms & Apartments | A nice option in the heart of the city with single rooms and full apartments.
- PRILEP NEW BEST APARTMENTS | Modern multi-room apartments not far from the city center. There’s a shared kitchen and it’s an excellent choice if you’re traveling as a family.
For more options check here.
