Explore the Ancient City of Heraclea Lyncestis

The ancient city Heraclea Lyncestis is considered to be the cultural treasure of the Balkans. The remains of the city are in the southern region of Bitola at the foot of Baba Mountain. This important archeological site is rich in archaeological findings and represents a postcard of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The city was named in honor of the mythological Greek Hero Heracles. Lyncestis means “the Land of the Lynx” in Greek.

Heraclea extended to the northwest border of the Macedonian area of Lyncestis, and it was one of the main military-strategic centers in the Balkans. The city is widely considered to have been founded by the great Macedonian Philip II in the middle of the 4th century B.C., although some claim that the founder was Philip V. Through the centuries, this social and cultural center was taken by the Romans, attacked by the Goths, fell into the hands of the Byzantines and finally became a part of the Episcopal center.

The theater complex has unique beauty. The architecture of the theater was perfected by the strict canons of Vitruvius and according to the proportions of the Roman theaters. You will be amazed by the sacred objects discovered in Heraclea, both large and small, including the tomb basilica and the Episcopal residency.heracleabasilicaA major masterpiece of early Christian art is the mosaic on the floor of the narthex in the main basilica. The floor of the basilica is filled with thousands of small stones placed in perfect harmony where flora and fauna with illustrated messages from the Bible.

You are sure to enjoy both the beauty and the history in this sacred place of Heraclea Lyncestis!

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