bitola

Bitola is a city in the southwestern part of North Macedonia, serving as the administrative center of Bitola Municipality in the Pelagonia region. It is situated in the Pelagonia plain, at the foot of surrounding mountains, and has long been a historical crossroads between the Aegean and inland regions.

The modern city built upon a long history that includes the nearby ancient site of Heraclea Lyncestis, a Hellenistic city founded in the 4th century BCE by Philip II of Macedon that later became a Roman town with well-preserved ruins. In the Ottoman period it was known as Monastir and developed into an important administrative and cultural hub, with a bustling bazaar area.

Bitola is recognized for its wide boulevards, the Old Bazaar along Shirok Sokak, and historic edifices. The city hosts cultural institutions including theaters, museums, and educational facilities. It is also a center of higher education, being home to the University of Bitola (St. Clement of Ohrid University of Bitola) and a number of faculties that attract students from across the region. The International Film Festival Manaki Brothers, one of the oldest film festivals in the Balkans, is held in Bitola.

The economy historically relied on trade, crafts, and agriculture, and today Bitola remains an important regional center for services, commerce, and education. The city is linked by rail and road to Skopje, Thessaloniki, and other regional centers, making it a significant transport junction in southern North Macedonia.