Prilep is also known as the city under St. Mark's Towers, due to the proximity of the fortress that belonged to the famous Marko Kraljevic. Prilep makes a triple association - tobacco, famous food and revolution. It is safe to say that the city can boast of such a conceptually designed and tidy part of its everyday life. Anyone who feels the need to isolate themselves from the city crowds and urban life and go somewhere where they can find peace and quiet, the Revolution Park in Prilep, is a beautiful place for rest, recreation and relaxation. In addition, it provides the possibility of aesthetic, cultural and historical upgrades. Prilep is also considered to be the "lungs" of its concentrated greenery. In 1961, the Revolution Park was enriched with monuments to fallen soldiers in World War II. One of the most impressive is the monument to the "Undefeated".
How the Memorial complex was founded
The invitation for the realization of the memorial complex was sent to the famous architect, maestro Bogdan Bogdanović. Three places in Prilep were considered as possible locations for the memorial. Among them was the famous site of St. Mark's Tower. However, none of the proposed locations impressed and inspired Bogdanovic. He got the idea from an older man, quite by accident, to make the location a plateau on the southern outskirts of the city, where there was a park before the Second World War. An architectural complex symbolizes the victory of freedom over slavery. It consists of two separate parts that complement each other. One is a common crypt of almost 500 fallen fighters for liberation from fascism in Prilep. The names of all those from the Prilep region who lost their lives in the Second World War are engraved on the inner part of the crypt. The second part presents eight sculptures placed on a circular plateau.
About the “Revolution park” with the "Monument to the Undefeated"
The "Revolution Park "with" Monument to the Undefeated "is an architecturally complex site built in memory of the fallen fighters from Prilep in the struggle for liberation from the fascist occupier and a symbolic depiction of the victory of freedom over slavery. Began in 1960 and presented to the public in 1961, the complex was conceived as a kind of celebration of the proclamation of the city of Prilep as a "partisan city" in the early 1960s by the then Yugoslav government. It consists of two separate works that complement each other.One is a common crypt of nearly 500 fallen fighters for liberation from fascism in Prilep with an opening to the North. There are names of all those from the Prilep area who lost their lives in World War II engraved on the inner part of the crypt on marble slabs.The second part of this memorial complex consists of eight sculptures placed on a circular plateau preceding the crypt.The seven of them are 2.9 meters high, and one, the most dominant, is 5 meters high.
The meaning of the sculptures
Interpretations of their forms, meanings and numbers are different. According to one interpretation, they have the shape of ancient Greek urns in which the ashes of the dead were kept. The largest statue in the complex at the top has a symbolic flame, which represents the resistance of the Macedonian people. Some interpretations claim that the statues represent six Yugoslav republics and two provinces. According to another interpretation, these eight sculptures are feminized figures stylized in the Ionic style of pillars, dancing around a higher "Goddess" (freedom). Bogdanović was impressed by the Russian ballerina Ana Pavlova, which gives weight to this interpretation. Here is what Bogdanović himself will say about the Prilep sculptures: "This is what my nymphs, the sculptures in Prilep, look like. Surreal, because their heads have two faces - one in profile and one in full face. Like God Janus. " Later, when the surroundings of the memorial complex were disturbed by newly built buildings and worn roads, Bogdanović was again called upon to preserve its aesthetic appearance. He suggested afforestation with an evergreen forest, in order to hide from view what disturbed the aesthetics of the complex. That is how this complex got the look that Prilep and its citizens know and enjoy today. The complete location of the park is in the period 2007-2008. was renovated and refreshed. This gave it a new glow and charm, which combines architecture and history with nature.
The Heroes Alley
As part of the "Revolution Park", at its eastern entrance, there is the "Heroes Alley". It was built in 1961. There are busts of the most important Prilep heroes from the Second World War: Kire Gavriloski-Jane, Ile Igeski-Cvetan, Orde Chopela, Borka Taleski, Kuzman Josifoski-Pitu, Mirce Acev, Borka Veleski-Lefta, Rampo Levkata, Lazo Filiposki-Lavski and Krume Volnaroski. In the more intimate corner of the park, there is a symbolic monument dedicated to women freedom fighters from World War II.
A great place for getting rest and for recreational activities
Every well-meaning visitor of this aesthetically, artistically and horticulturally decorated complex has the opportunity to enjoy its pleasant ambience. Hiking trails, light training and running also provide the possibility of active use of the place. The densely forest enchants with fresh air. You can also rest and enjoy the peace and quiet. From several places in the park there is a fantastic panoramic view of the city and St. Mark's Towers, a beautiful view of the mountain Selečka and an impressive view of the distant Pelister and the magnificent slopes of the mountain Baba.
The other monuments to the Revolution near Prilep
„The frozen“
One of the monuments worth visiting is dedicated to the soldier who gave his life for freedom. It is located on Pesjobrdce, near Prilep. The author of the same is the sculptor Koneski-Mazucanec from Prilep. The monument is a kind of "frozen" agony of a freedom fighter, at the moment of sacrificing his own life in order to achieve a higher goal.
Death to Fascism
The monument dedicated to the "massacre in Dabnica", an event from the Second World War, is located in the village of Dabnica, not far from Prilep. Known as "Death to Fascism", it commemorates the execution of 18 people, 12 residents of Dabnica and 6 people from Prilep, by the Bulgarian fascist occupier in 1942, after being previously inhumanely tortured and ill-treated. The original version of the monument was the work of sculptor Dim Todorovski. The author of today's reconstructed version is the sculptor Saso Popovski.
The other monuments of Prilep
The Mark’s Towers
When you are in Prilep, a visit to St. Mark's Towers is something you should not miss. St. Mark's Towers are a place of great importance, both for the history and for the culture and tradition of Prilep. The palace of kings Vukasin and Marko was located here. According to historical findings, this fortress was defended by only 40 soldiers until the second half of the 13th century, and even later. In the 14th century, this part served as a temporary refuge for the surrounding inhabitants from the Ottoman invasion. After the death of King Mark, in 1395, this settlement was occupied by the Ottomans. This led people to take refuge in a nearby area. Thus, at the foot of Marko's towers, a settlement called Varoš was created, under which name it still exists today. Today, Varoš is part of Prilep, the only former village around Prilep that is inhabited.
Until the beginning of the 11th century, there was no data from written sources about Prilep. In the Byzantine "Sigilionum" of Emperor Basil II (976-1025) from 1018, Prilep is first mentioned as the fortress of Prilapon. The city and the fortress are also mentioned in the short history of the contemporary Emperor Samuel, which was written by the Byzantine writer Jovan Skilica. During the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century, through the discovered archeological findings, one can follow the migration of members of non-Slavic groups to Prilep from different parts of Byzantium, which causes the mixing of the newly arrived population with the natives. That was the reason for the first beginnings of „Byzantinus“ Prilep to appear during the 12th century.
One house – one church
According to the legend, there used to be 77 family houses and the same number of churches in Varoš. One church for each house. Some of them have been preserved, such as the Varoški monastery with the church "St. Archangel Michael "," St. Nikola "," Sv. The Most Pure Mother of God "," St. Athanasius "," St. Petar ”and“ St. Dimitrija ". Today, they are in good and functional condition, with an invaluable fresco that is amazing. Two folk heroes, Orde Čopel and Mica Kozar, whose monuments were erected in the Revolution Park, also come from this settlement.
Prilep Tobacco Museum
For lovers of history and art, the recommended destination is the Prilep Tobacco Museum. It is located between Marko's towers and the monument dedicated to the fallen partisan fighter on Pesjo hill. It contains an impressive cultural-historical and artistic environment of the most important items related to tobacco consumption. They were used by some of the most prominent historical figures (cigar holder, for example, of the Russian Emperor Nicholas and other similar artifacts). The story of the museum's curator offers visitors a unique and exciting narrative and visual journey through the past.
A great food in Prilep
Prilep has always been considered a city with a good gourmet offer. Various restaurants in Prilep offer a varied and rich culinary offer. Prilep is especially known for its grilled dishes. You can enjoy a variety of grilled dishes in the city cafes in the city center, or in suburban restaurants that offer a beautiful view of the surroundings of Prilep.
Restaurant Alavantioski
When it comes to choosing a restaurant, if you want to try some other specialties in addition to barbecue, you can visit the restaurant "Alavantioski" which is located next to the artificial lake Prilep. The summer terrace of the restaurant offers an impressive view of the lake and the highest mountain near Prilep, Babuna with the peak Kozjak. We recommend you to try the famous Prilep shirden, a dish that will satisfy even the most picky clients. There is also the famous Macedonian specialty "seosko" which the restaurant "Alavantioski" prepares phenomenally. The restaurant also offers a variety of grilled dishes of excellent quality.
Restaurant Kermes
If you are a fish lover, the restaurant "Kermes" located next to the "Revolution Park" is the right place for you. Excellent service and a complete range of menus with a variety of dishes and grilled specialties leaves no one indifferent. After a walk through the "Revolution Park", the food in the "Kermes" is a great choice.
Reastaurant Del Posto
Fans of Italian food will not make a mistake if they visit the restaurant - pizzeria "Del Posto", which is located in the city center. An offer are also exotic specialties of Mexican, Italian and other world cuisines.
Restaurant Akademi
Another recommendation is the restaurant "Akademi", which is also located in the city center, where there is a solid offer of various pasta and pizza dishes.
