Place to Visit
1) Heraclea Lyncestis Ancient Town
Heraclea, two kilometres south of Monastery, is an ancient city that witnessed the Greek and Roman civilisation in the past. The ancient theatre, mosaics and frescoes have been well preserved until today. It was founded by Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC.
It remained a strategically important city until the middle of the 2nd century BC, when the Romans conquered Macedonia and destroyed its political power.
The ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, which tells the history of Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian times, is one of the most visited attractions in Macedonia, along with Stobi near Skopje. The baths, city walls, temples and artefacts from the Early Christian period can be seen. The well-preserved mosaics are worth seeing. The entrance fee for the ancient city is 100 MKD per person. Visiting hours am09:00-04:00pm. Number 1 on the map
2) Bitola Museum
Thousands of artefacts such as photographs, documents, objects and documents related to Macedonian culture and the whole course of history are exhibited in the archaeological and ancient cultural life sections of the museum. Number 2 on the map
3) Širok Street
There are many neoclassical buildings on this long street, which is the most central place of Bitola. There are various shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants on this street. You can take a break here if you wish. This street, which is also closed to traffic, extends to Magnolia Square, the heart of the city. Number 3 on the map
5) Church of St. Demetrius (St. Demetrius of Solun)
It is an Orthodox church that was authorised to be built in 1833 while it was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The construction permit included certain conditions. The first of these was that the exterior of the church should not have any ornamentation, and the second rule was that the floor of the church should be one metre below the ground so that it would not dominate the city skyline. The church, which has five chapels and three naves, has beautiful frescoes and wood-carved iconostasis, even though it is modest from the outside. You should definitely see this place. Number 5 on the map
6) The Bitola Clock Tower
Built in the 17th century, the stone Clock Tower is located at the beginning of Magnolia Square, just before the Dragor River and at the gate of Stara Carsija. In the 18th century, in order to repair the damages and strengthen it, the Ottoman Empire authorities collected about 60000 eggs from the surrounding villages and used them as plaster mortar to repair the building in the conditions of the time. The tower is rectangular and approximately 98 feet, (or 1181 inches), (or 30 metres) high. Near the top there is a rectangular terrace with an iron fence. It has a musical clock mechanism that plays songs such as "Bitola Babam Bitola", "Biljana Platno" every six hours. Number 6 on the map
7) Jeni Džamija (New Mosque)
Built in 1558, the mosque was built during the Ottoman period and is one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks of the city. The architecture and decorations of Jeni Džamija are fine examples of Ottoman architecture of the period. The glazed ornamental features found in the New Mosque are the only ones of their kind in the country. Number 7 on the map
Jeni Džamija
Jeni Džamija
Jeni Džamija
8) Bezisten
It is one of the Ottoman period buildings that resembles a castle with its street plans reminiscent of a branched tree, four large metal gates and numerous domes. It was built by Kara Davud Pasha in the 17th century. In this covered bazaar, textiles and luxury fabrics were generally sold. It was also the place where the taxes collected from the Rumelia Province were collected and preserved before being transferred to the Ottoman treasury. Although it has been looted and set on fire many times throughout history, it has managed to survive to the present day. Number 8 on the map
9) İshak Çelebi Mosque
Built in the 17th century, the stone Clock Tower is loIshak Çelebi Mosque (Kadı Ishak Çelebi Mosque or Ishakkiye) is the largest and main mosque in Bitola, located on the north bank of the Dragor River. With its magnificent size and 164feet (or 50meters) high minaret, the Ishak Mosque is visible from many parts of the city. Popularly known as Ishakkiye, it was built in 1506 and named after its founder, Hakim Ishak Çelebi Ibn Isa, son of Isa Fakih. Number 9 on the map
10) Stara Charshija (Old Bazaar)
The modestly architected bazaar, which you will find when you cross the Dragor River, dates back to centuries ago. So much so that during the Ottoman Empire, 3000 artisans set up stalls in this place, and today it hosts 70 shops. Compared to the Turkish bazaar we encountered in Skopje, this place is more secluded but has preserved its medieval atmosphere more beautifully. While you are here, you can visit Bezisten, which is a covered bazaar, and Bar çarsıja. Number 10 on the map
11) Haydar Kadi Mosque
The mosque was built in 1561-62 by Kadı Haydar Efendi. The most prominent motif is the stylised Arabic letter 'elif'. This type of carved wooden door can be seen in Istanbul mosques. After the Ottoman withdrawal from the region in 1912, the mosque fell into disrepair and the lead cover on the dome was stolen. The mosque was used as a warehouse. The mosque was restored by Turkey and reopened for worship 104 years later in 2016. Number 11 on the map
Places to Food & Drink
1) Bar Charshija
The best cocktail bar in Bitola, located in a 500-year-old Turkish bath in the Old Bazaar. Stop by for a coffee or lemonade break between the ancient walls. They have live music at the weekend. The place with a small courtyard takes you back to the Ottoman period. Visit for the cocktails and the atmosphere. Number 1 on the map
2) Lounge Bar Manaki
This place is quite quiet and noiseless compared to the business named Kus-Kus, this place has a wide range of almost all kinds of meals. Unless you expect super flavours, it will meet your needs to get through your meal. Number 2 on the map
3) Kus Kus
It is a little overrated place, it is more popular than it deserves, so you may have difficulty finding a table during peak hours. Otherwise, you can choose it for a meal without having high expectations. Number 3 on the map
4) GT Caffe
Located on Sirok Street, it is a place preferred by tourists as well as local people. The cafe, which stands out with its coffee varieties and sweet patisserie products, you can evaluate options such as appetisers and snacks. Number 4 on the map
5) Cafe Aero
This place stands out as an alternative to GT caffe. You can try coffee varieties, desserts and patisserie products here. Number 5 on the map