Krushevo

Krushevo is one of the cities in Macedonia that has a profound cultural and historical value. Once a thriving city that was a refuge for the Macedonian people from the Ottomans, now a top tourist destination. At 1,350m above sea level Krushevo is the highest settlement classified as a city in the Balkans. An integral part of the Baba Mountain this small city that today counts only 9,684 citizens, that has a special part in Macedonian culture and history, at one point in history it was its own Republic.

Krushevo (photo by: Vesna Markoska)

For Macedonians, Krushevo is a synonym to the centuries long struggle against Ottoman rule, culminating with the Ilinden Uprising when the freed area was declared a Republic which unfortunately only lasted 10 days, from 2nd of August to the 12th of August, 1903. The rebellion was lead by Macedonian greats Nikola Karev and Pitu Guli. Today the statue Mechkin Kamen stands tall to commemorate the last moments of the uprising when the revolutionaries were killed and Krushevo was burned by an 18,000 strong Ottoman army.  Therefore each year on the 2nd of August there are traditional manifestations that take place commemorating this achievement of our ancestors. A traditional horsemen march takes place from the capital Skopje to Krushevo which is led by a significant public figure. 

Traditional Ilinden Horsemen March (photo by: Vesna Markoska)

Another monument highly  identifiable with Krushevo is "Makedonium" which is a massive structure overlooking the city built to commemorate the same uprising. Makedonium is with unusual architecture and a mixture of everything which was built during Yugoslavian times. 

Makedonium (photo by: Pero Kvrzica)

There are large manifestations on the 2nd of August every year as this day is associated with other milestones in Macedonian history such as the first assembly of the Anti-Fascist Assembly for the People's Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM), the battle of Ironea in 338 BC and the victory of Phillip II of Macedon against the Peloponnesian city state and the Christian holy day St. Elijah (Sveti Ilinden).

Krushevo is also well known for the astonishing old Macedonian architecture throughout the city.  Here the secluded location played in its favor, helping preserve the traditional houses and buildings which were constructed during its glory years.  In 1926 Krushevo was visited by one of history's great architects, Le Corbusier (Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris), who was said to be a great fan of the local architecture.

Krushevo (photo by: Vesna Markoska)

Krushevo is also the home town of one of the most beloved Macedonian singers, Toshe Proeski, who passed away in a tragic car accident aged 26. In his honour there is a memorial house portraying his generosity, amazing voice and commitement to his nation during his short life and career. 

Memorial House of Toshe Proeski (photo by: George K.)

Other things to visit in the town are the two main churches dedicated to St. Jovan (St. John) and St. Nikola (St. Nicholas) who are also in the old part of town, and the two museums, Museum of the Ilinden Rebellion and Krushevo Republic and the Museum of National Liberation War. 

Krushevo simply must be on your places to visit list when you come to Macedonia.