REASONS TO VISIT KRUSEVO
Poured by
Marija Petroska
Krusevo, located in the cradle of Busheva Mountain is the highest town in the Balkan Peninsula, which lies at an altitude of 1,350 meters.
By climbing the first turns in the final kilometers to the city you become overcome by a pleasant feeling of surprise and amazing anticipation of what lies behind a secret green or snowy peaks. And when you pass the last part of the way, a magnificent view of the city that captivates with its beauty, comes in front of you.
The city can be entered by two sides, through Prilep and through Bitola, but irrelevant which side you go in, you will feel like in a fairy tale. Sunrises and sunsets in the grove, the feeling of peace and calmness and the beautiful authentic architecture which in a game of the perspective violates the crystal mountain sky, will make everyone feel like part of a fairy tale, even for a moment.
The city is surrounded by oak and pine forest from all three sides, which also makes the city seem like an eagle’s nest. Krusevo is the oldest city in Macedonia, some mentions dates back in 1467, when the city was given the Hüseyin Bey, along with Prilep and 30 other places. In the past, the population that lived in Krusevo was mainly engaged in trade, craftsmanship, while some people were woodcarvers and painters who made the beautiful church “St. Nikola” in 1832, which was burned during the Ilinden Uprising, when were also burned the most beautiful woodcuts and iconostasis, made by Petre Filipovski – Grkata.
At the heart of the city is the city’s bazaar where, from all the sides of the city, steep, narrow neighborhood streets are pouring. The city is rich with old sacred objects including: St. Nikola (1832); St. Bogorodica (1867); St. Jovan (1905); the monasteries St. Spas (1836); and many others and all of them are full with extremely rare iconostasis, woodcuts, frescoes and icons.
In Krusevo, near the center is the Gallery of Nikola Martinoski, where is preserved the largest collection from several periods of his work.
To visit Krusevo and not to come to the Museum of Ilinden Uprising and the Krusevo Republic monument “Makedonium” authored by Jordan Grabulovski, the greatest symbol of the desire of the Macedonian people for freedom, is as same as if you haven’t been in this historical place.
The interior of this monument impresses with its beauty and the view from all four sides from where you can see Sliva, Meckin Kamen and Pelagonia. The impressive and stained glass symbolize the desire for freedom. Numerous museums, galleries and monuments makes Krusevo a Museum City and the Krusevo Republic makes the city a city of uprising, because that is the most important moment of the history of Macedonia.
Those who, at least once, felt the benefit of clean air and the untouched nature, beautiful old architecture that leaves you breathless and the friendly people, will surely come back and enjoy the moments of joy and good feeling. All this gives the town a kind of charm and improves the landscape that amazes. What can I say, except that some feelings cannot be described in words.
Krusevo was the city of the biggest music star of the Balkan, Tose Proeski, who selflessly, during the entire life was helping people in need. After his tragic death, the city has become a regular destination for all those who respected his character and work. His grave at Gumenje is always full of visitors who come to worship the man with the angelic voice and soul.
In his honor a memorial house was built in a shape of a cross, a symbol of his sincere belief in God. The concrete is a symbol of his character and work, the glass is a symbol of the human transience and vulnerability, and the water that is part of the landscape is a symbol of liveliness and purity of Tose. The Memorial House is a symbol of his short but interesting life path and it is full with things that belonged to him in his childhood, teens and early career, until the last day.
Last but not least, after your walk through the lanes of Krusevo complete your adventure in the national restaurant “Shape”. The kitchen will impress you and will offer you an unforgettable perspective on the Macedonian cuisine … Impeccable service combined with excellent range of freshly prepared food. My suggestion is a pot “a la Shape” and ice cold Skopsko.
I invite you to visit Krusevo and spend at least one weekend in it. In front of you, you will have the sight of beautiful theatrical set houses, illuminated by the sun which generously warms almost every day, even in winter. Explore the beauties of Krusevo, the city will respond with a warm welcome! Once you get through Krusevo, I assure you that you will return again.
