The Crossroads of Ancient Civilizations

Description

Meet your guide and driver for a full day tour of Bitola area. Your first destination will be the archeological site of Heraclea Lyncestis. Famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theatre and Roman baths, Heraclea is the most vividly preserved city from the surviving Ancient Macedonian Empire in the country. Founded in the 4th century B.C and conquered by the Romans two centuries later, it was built on the Via Egnatia and became one of the key stations on this trading route. First excavations were done before World War I. Beautiful Roman baths, the Episcopal Church and baptistery, a Jewish temple, portico and a Roman theatre now used for summer concerts and theatre performances – all stand proud in excellent condition. Then you will visit the nearby town of Bitola – a historic town probably founded by Phillip of Macedonia in the 4th century BC. Then it was called Heraclea in honour of the Hellenistic hero Heracles (Hercules). Later, it prospered due to its proximity to the Via Egnatia – the Roman road which crossed the whole Balkan Peninsula, from the Adriatic coast to the Bosporus and Byzantium (later Constantinople and Istanbul). Under the Byzantines, it became an important center of Christianity and religious art. In the Middle Ages, Bitola was largely part of the Bulgarian Kingdom until the 14th century when it was taken over by the Ottomans. In the afternoon, your guide and driver will take you back to your hotel.