Heraclea Lyncestis
Хераклеја Линкестис
An ancient city founded by Philip II of Macedon. The floor of an early Christian cathedral preserves one of the finest mosaics in the Balkans.
The ancient city was founded by King Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC. In the Roman era it was an important town on the Via Egnatia, and later it became the seat of a bishop. The site includes a semicircular Roman theater, baths, colonnades and two early Christian cathedrals. The 5th- to 6th-century mosaics on the floor of the larger cathedral's narthex feature the tree of life, deer, peacocks and other animals in vivid colors, and they are among the most magnificent mosaics in the country. They are covered for protection in winter and uncovered in summer. Entry costs about 100 denars, and there is a small museum. The site is about 2 km south of the city, a 25-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
Opening hours
About 9:00–17:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Officers' Home, Bitola
- Širok Sokak
- Church of St. Demetrius
- Yeni Mosque
- Clock Tower, Bitola
- Old Bazaar & Bezisten
- Ishak Çelebi Mosque
- Dihovo