Last Updated on: 26th July 2022, 02:58 pm
Krushevo is one of the Balkans’ highest settlements at an altitude of 1,350 m. But Krushevo has a few other distinctions that make it one of North Macedonia’s must-visit small towns. Not only was it the location of the legendary Ilinden Uprising against Ottoman rule, but it’s arguably the country’s best place to see well-preserved houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. In this Krushevo guide, we’ll be covering the top things to see and do over the course of a single day.
Krushevo is an easy day trip from nearby Prilep, but those who are really into slow travel might enjoy a couple of nights. Be sure to check the end of the article for tips on getting there.
The Ilinden Monument
Oddly enough, Krushevo’s most well-known landmark is one that doesn’t fit at all with the town’s general look and atmosphere. But the Ilinden Monument, also known as the Makedonium, sits isolated atop a hill so as not to clash with Krushevo’s traditional architecture.
The peculiar Yugoslavia-era monument was inaugurated on the 71st anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising, which occurred on August 2, 1903. And to this day, it’s the historical event for which Krushevo is most known by far.
The rebellion saw Krushevo’s various ethnic and religious groups come together with the shared goal of driving out the Ottomans.
And they were briefly successful. In fact, Krushevo even became home to an independent state called the Macedonian Republic. But it only lasted 10 days before the Ottomans crushed it, ravaging much of the town in response.
Approaching the Ilinden Monument, visitors pass by multiple cannon-shaped objects with the names of those who perished during the rebellion.
Next is the circular amphitheater with dozens of white pegs functioning as seats. The whole thing is surrounded by abstract and colorful geometric wall art that will take you right back to the 1970s.
Continuing along the pathway, one of the country’s most bizarre monuments will soon come clearly into view.
Supposedly, the monument was designed after a mace from the 15th century. But coincidentally, the round structure with its protruding spikes looks a lot like the coronavirus!
Designed by Jordan and Iskra Grabuloski, the Ilinden Monument is North Macedonia’s most well-known spomenik, or Yugoslav war monument. The 25 m-high structure took four years to construct, and is largely comprised of concrete and glass.
But to get the full picture, be sure to pay the small entry fee to see it from the inside. The monument is open daily until 16:00, but it often seems to be closed for renovations. Luckily, it was open during my visit on a Sunday.
Approaching any of the four protruding windows, you’ll find abstract circular designs on either side – each of them unique. Conveniently, small informational signboards explain a bit about their meaning.
One of them symbolizes the rising sun, the Macedonian national symbol. Others, meanwhile, represent armed struggle – both during the Ilinden uprising itself and later during World War II.
Looking up, you can also see a series of intricate stained glass windows designed by Macedonian artist Borko Lazeski, each one representing a different season.
The monument also contains the tomb of Nikola Karev, the leader of the Ilinden Uprising and president of the short-lived Macedonian Republic. While the republic only lasted less than two weeks, it’s seen by many as the precursor to the modern state of North Macedonia.
And it would also inspire other Balkan states who’d gain independence from Ottoman rule not long after.
More Around the Area
Before heading back downhill to explore the town center, there are a few other things to check out nearby the monument. About ten minutes away on foot is the Krushevo Lake, an artificial reservoir set amidst lush green surroundings.
And not far from the lake is the Museum of the National Liberation War, which presumably provides some more background information about the Ilinden Uprising.
Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit (and possibly permanently), but I could at least glimpse an interesting mural panting through the glass entrance door.
Wanting to learn more about the uprising, I was disappointed to find no less than two other Ilinden Uprising-related museums to be closed as well!
Another major landmark situated above the town center is a memorial house dedicated to singer Toše Proeski. Few foreign visitors (including myself) will have never heard of him, but the Krushevo native was one of the most famous pop stars in the country and in the Balkans as a whole.
Tragically, he died in a car crash in 2007 at the young age of 26. The building displays many of his possessions along with numerous photographs of his career.
Krushevo Guide: Exploring the Town Center
One of the top activities to do in this Krushevo guide is simply wander around to see what interesting buildings and scenic vantage points you can find.
Krushevo is a hilly town with lots of narrow winding streets. Seeing an interesting-looking building in the distance, it’s easy to lose sight of it as soon as you attempt to get there. But given the town’s compact size, you’ll eventually encounter everything you were looking for after a few hours of exploring.
In the early 20th century, the Ottomans greatly damaged Krushevo in response to the Ilinden Uprising. But thankfully, as can be witnessed today, much of the town was rebuilt in the traditional style of the 19th century
In the town center, don’t miss the Old Bazaar area, home to some of the town’s prominent churches (more below) and plenty of restaurants.
While not over-touristed, Krushevo does indeed get a lot of foreign visitors each year, which means you’ll have no problem finding restaurants with English menus.
And if you’re looking for something sweet after your meal, head over to local favorite Tagas Balkan for some lokum, the Balkan version of Turkish delight. I bought a box for about 150 MKD, and while delicious, it was a bit too sweet for my liking.
The area south of the bus station is known as the Vlashko Malo district, where you’ll find plenty of charming houses. Many of the traditional houses come from the late Ottoman period and feature original hand-painted designs.
For a great view of town, walk further south to Hotel Montana Palace, which offers clear panoramic views of Krushevo. Look closely and you can even spot the Ilinden Monument on top of the hill in the distance!
While I didn’t visit myself, another traveler I met told me that the hill above the hotel is accessible via the local ski lift. Due to its elevation, Krushevo is a popular winter sports destination, but the ski lift still operates in summer.
Krushevo's Churches
In addition to its houses, Krushevo is also home to several interesting churches. Notable among them are the Church of St. Nicholas, the Church of Holy Trinity, the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of St. Mother of God.
While many of them were closed during my visit, the beautiful structures serve as convenient landmarks to hunt for during your explorations. Trying to find them, you’ll inevitably get lost but end up discovering some other interesting things along the way.
Krushevo's Museums
Aside from the Ilinden Monument, Krushevo is supposed to be home to multiple museums dedicated to its most well-known historical event. As mentioned above, the museum near the monument seemed to be permanently closed.
Closer to the town center, I saw signs all over town pointing visitors to another Ilinden Uprising Museum. Upon making my way through the labyrinthine streets of Krushevo to find it, however, it too appeared to be permanently closed. Or at least under extensive renovation.
There’s even a third museum dedicated to the event called the Ilinden Uprising Weapons Foundry. But it too was closed! Frankly speaking, this string of disappointments made me glad that I was only visiting as a day trip.
There was, at least, one interesting museum, the Nikola Martinovski Gallery, that happened to be functioning. Martinovski (1903-73), born in Krushevo, is considered to be the father of Macedonian contemporary art.
The gallery features a few rooms exhibiting his expressionist portraits (no photography allowed). Additionally, the museum doubles as a small ethnology museum, while the balcony provides more great views of Krushevo.
The town is also supposed to be home to an Icon Gallery, but I was never able to find it.
Additional Info
The city with the most connections to Krushevo is nearby Prilep. The ride lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
Between Monday and Saturday, you can find a bus from Prilep to Krushevo at 7:25, 9:35, 11:40, 14:45, 16:40 and 19:30.
Only three buses depart per day on Sundays, at 9:35, 14:45 and 19:30.
Getting back from Krushevo to Prilep on Monday to Saturday, buses depart at 6:25, 8:40, 10:20, 12:30, 15:20 and 17:30.
Again, there are only three buses departing on Sundays, which leave at 8:40, 12:30 and 17:30.
Arriving at the tiny station in Krushevo, you likely won’t find anyone in the office until just before departure time. Unable to purchase a ticket in advance, it’s best to show up a little bit early to ensure you can get a seat. But in my experience, there was still plenty of room on the bus even for the last departure on Sunday evening.
You may also be able to find a few direct buses from either Skopje or Bitola, but it’s best to confirm at the bus station a day or two before. Unfortunately, there are no reliable or consistently updated sources of information online for bus travel in North Macedonia.
Some travelers who are into exploring charming small towns and taking things slow might enjoy two or three nights in Krushevo. Personally, however, despite enjoying both of the above, I found visiting Krushevo as a single day trip to be plenty.
In regards to slow travel, I think it’s important for the destination to have an abundance of landmarks that you can spread out over the course of a few or more days. Some examples of my favorite laidback towns for slow travel include Luang Prabang, Laos or Mardin, Turkey.
Krushevo, in contrast, doesn’t have quite enough attractions to warrant an extended stay. While I was glad to be able to explore town and see all the things in the Krushevo guide above, I surely would’ve gotten bored by the second day. (Others with different tastes, of course, may disagree.)
Furthermore, checking accommodation prices online, the hotels go for a lot more than you’ll pay in nearby Prilep or Bitola. Therefore, I recommend most travelers base themselves in Prilep during their time in this part of North Macedonia.
In addition to being a short ride from Krushevo, Prilep is also home to the Marko’s Towers and Treskavec Monastery, the hike to which turned out to be one of my favorite activities during my time in the country.