Tour 10. The city of consuls – Bitola and Heraclea Lyncestis

The region of Bitola has evidence of organized human settlements from the early Neolithic period, among which the most important are Veluška Tumba and Bara Tumba inhabited around 6000 BC.
It was known as Lynkestis in antiquity, part of Upper Macedonia, with tribes known as Lynkestai. Heraclea Lyncestis – City of Hercules was founded by Philip II of Macedon by the middle of the 4th century BC. The Romans conquered this part of Macedon in 148 BC. Its prosperity continued mainly due to the Roman Via Egnatia road. Many archaeological monuments from the Roman period can be seen today in Heraclea, including a portico, thermae (baths) and a theater.
Heraclea became an important episcopal centre in the early Byzantine period (4th to 6th centuries AD). The city walls, many Early Christian basilicas, the bishop’s residence, and a lavish city fountain are some of the remains of this period.
Later, as a big center in European part of the Ottoman Empire Bitola was main city of the consulates and it contains 13 consulates even today. The main city road – Shirok Sokak (The Wide Street) offers pleasant walking with many cool restaurants, coffee bars and sightseeing of the monuments of the city.