Tourism in Macedonia

Krusevo

Mentioned in documents from the 15th century, Krusevo is a living museum, famous for its traditional architecture, cultural sites, and legacy as the site of the great 1903 Ilinden uprising against Ottoman domination. The rebellion failed, but its memory is cherished in Macedonia even today, as a symbol of the national struggle for freedom and democracy; while it lasted only 10 days, the Krusevo Republic of revolutionary leader Nikola Karev represented a desire for self-rule under a modern European political system. Today an enormous monument on the hill above Krusevo marks the elusive dream of the Ilinden revolutionaries.

Owing to its high elevation (1300 meters or 4,400 feet), Krusevo is also one of Macedonia’s prime winter sports destinations. Yet this same quality also makes this pine-forested getaway a comfortable destination in summer, when the Krusevo air stays cooler and more pure than in the arid lowlands.


Meckin Kamen Monument

Meckin Kamen was the site of one of the battles. The story tells that the Macedonians were heavily outnumbered by the Ottomans and short of ammunition, so they started to throw rocks. The powerful statue shows a fighter throwing a huge rock. The Macedonians come here every August 2nd to celebrate the independence of Macedonia.

Ilinden Uprising Moument

Ilinden Uprising MonumentThe Ilinden Uprising Monument is on the opposite side of town of the Meckin Kamen monument. The monument contains the tomb of Nikola Karaev, who was made president of the Republic of Krusevo in 1903.