About North Macedonia: Republic of North Macedonia is located in south-East Europe, at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, covering 25 713km2. Its terrain is characterized with massive mountains, intersected with wide valleys and lowlands. The country is bounded with Serbia and Kosovo in the North, Bulgaria in the East, Greece in the South and Albania in the West. The significance of North Macedonia’s geographic position, being a central Balkan country neighbouring with five countries diverse in their potential and development, is that all of them are directed toward mutual trade and complementing economies, mainly through the territory of Republic of North Macedonia.
About Bitola: The second largest and one of the oldest cities in Republic of North Macedonia, Bitola is located in the south-western part of the country. It was founded as Heraclea Lyncestis in the middle of the 4th century BC by Philip II of Macedon. It has been known since the Ottoman period as “the city of the consuls”, bearing in mind that many European countries have consulates in Bitola. This city is an administrative, cultural, industrial, commercial and educational centre. Its life beats along the well – known high street Shirok Sokak, through the old Bazaar to the beautiful mysterious landscapes in the vicinity.
The unique aged and recent architecture, the natural beauty that surrounds it and the hospitality of its citizens are what people who have visited Bitola will never forget. You will come to perceive this town as a treasure of priceless physical and spiritual culture, created through the centuries by known and unknown craftsmen. A short distance from the city, there are beautiful mountains and lowland areas which are ideal for artists and nature – lovers alike. Also, two of the most beautiful lakes in this part of the Balkans, Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, are located in close vicinity to Bitola, and so is the Mariovo area. The city is well connected by highways and regional roads to Skopje, Ohrid and Thessaloniki, which are the nearest airports in the region.
About Skopje: Skopje is the capital and largest city of Republic of North Macedonia. The town is located on the upper course of the river Vardar, on the major north – south route on the Balkan Peninsula, between Belgrade and Athens. It is characterized with 2000 years old tradition which contributes to its attractiveness as a historical and cultural centre. Skopje is also North Macedonia’s major political, economic and educational city, with almost one million residents. The city is famous for the 1500 years old fortress Kale, Millennium Cross, Stone Bridge, Old Bazaar, the monastery of St.Panteleimon, the Islamic monuments Sultan Murat Mosque, the Daut Pasha’s bath.
About Ohrid: The shores of the Lake Ohrid were inhabited since primeval times, around 6000 years B.C. Archaeological finds indicate that Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. The lake itself is over three million years old. During the Byzantine period, Ohrid became a significant cultural and economic place, serving as an episcopal centre of the Orthodox Church and as the site of the first European university, run by St.Kliment and St.Naum, at the end of the 9th century.
At the beginning of the 11th century, Ohrid briefly became the capital of the great Samuil empire, whose fortress still presides over the city today. The town as we know it today, was built mostly between the 7th and 19th century. Aside of the lake, Ohrid is most famous for its ancient churches, basilicas and monasteries, where Saints Kliment and Naum wrote their teachings and formulated the Cyrillic alphabet.
About Krushevo: The town of Krushevo is the seat of Krushevo Municipality. It is the mountainous city, situated at an altitude of 1 350 meters. Therefore, Krushevo is the highest city in North Macedonia, known for its 19th century domestic architecture. It is the home of Mechkin Kamen, a historical landmark which marks the spot of the 1903 uprising. Every year on 2nd of August it is the site of the traditional Macedonian Independence Day celebrations. Krushevo is also the home of the Makedonium monument, dedicated to the Ilinden Uprising and Krushevo Republic, and many museums of the Ilinden Uprising. The Memorial House of Toshe Proevski is also located in Krushevo.