Culture in pelagonia

Pelagonija’ s culture and tradition craft began in the bronze ages. Remnants of these ages today are visible nearby the monastery “Holy Transfiguration” in village Zrze (Dolneni). In a rock cave, the oldest pottery artifacts used by the first citizens in the region have been found. In Roman Ages, Pelagonija have made its first significant cultural progress. Archaeological remnants from this period can be seen in every corner of the region. Heraclea Lyncestis is one of the most important archeological sites built in the IV century B.C. Located near Bitola, it astonishes visitors and world academia with its basilica remnants, mosaics, amphitheater and sacral objects.

During VI and VII century, Slavs inhabited Pelagonija. They brought their culture, tradition and legacy, mixed it with the one practiced among the local population, and added up to the specificity of today`s culture. During the middle ages and Byzantine period, huge number of sacral and holy objects has been built. Many of them are still into function as they were in the period of their construction. Monastery of Holy Mother of God (Treskavec) located nearby Prilep is one of the most important and most respected cultural and touristic places in the region. It has been built on an ancient-old sacred location, in the XIII century. It has vast cultural legacy, frescoes, architecture, monks kitchen, hospices, that continuously are being re-constructed and preserved. Treskavec is connected with Prilep thru asphalt road and it is accessible with any type of vehicle.

In Prespa, Monastery of St. George in village Kurbinovo is also one of the most important Byzantine objects. St. George is recognized not only by the tourists, but even more by the scientist from all over the world, particularly for its fresco paintings. They have been made with unique technique and mixture of colors making this sanctuary truly a world cultural heritage.      

The reign of Ottoman Empire in Pelagonija region is visible thru the presence of spiritual objects related to Muslim culture. Mosques with exceptional values today can be visited in each municipality of Pelagonija. The most important Muslim sacred objects are Yeni Mosque, Isak Mosque and Idar-Kadi Mosque in Bitola, Charshi Mosque in Prilep and Hadji-Ramadan Mosque in Resen. They all have been built around XV-XVI century.

At the historical crossing from XIX to XX century, important events happened that deeply affected Macedonian people and culture. The Ilinden uprising took place and Krusevo Republic has been established. Huge number of objects representing this revolutionary period are present in the region, most of them located in and around the city of Krusevo: Museum of National Liberation, Museum of Ilinden uprising, Meckin Kamen locality, Weapon Foundry and many others, witnessing the everlasting strive of Macedonian people for freedom and independence. In the beginning of the XX century, the House of Culture in Resen has been built. Due to its proportions and its specific French–style architecture, locals call it Saraj (the Seraglio). Resen`s Seraglio is inimitable representation of the different civilizational influences present on the territory of Pelagonija, all of them contributing to the specifics of our overall identity.

In Pelagonija, period of Balkan Wars was the period when the most beautiful architecture has been built. It is distinguished mark of Macedonian culture, recognizable on the Balkan Peninsula and beyond. Residential houses, schools, administrative and other objects being in perfect shape today, can be enjoyed at in almost every place in the region. Architecture located at Sirok Sokak Bitola, Krusevo, Mariovo and Prespa is considered to be the most exquisite and charming one.

Cuisine is an inevitable component of our region`s culture. All the tasty dishes are prepared with the passion of grandmothers`. Pelagonija`s most desirable specialties: fried beans, shirden, fish, grill, cheeses, are always present on traditional restaurants, taverns and home menus. Recipes and culinary tricks are nurtured and practiced as in the times they were initially shaped.