There was really only one reason why I came to Bitola and that was to see Heraclea Lyncestis, the ancient city founded by the Macedon king Philip II. It just happens to be on the outskirts of Bitola, so that’s why I stayed the night.

When I said in an earlier post that Stobi was the only archeology site mentioned in the guidebooks, I forgot about this place, there are two. Heraclea Lyncestis is a pretty small site, but holy crap it packs a punch! The remains of an ancient road with a sewer system, a theatre, and several churches with fantastic mosaics.

As for the mosaics, I was amazed at how many there were and that they were all in such great condition! I spent a lot of time climbing all over to get as close as I could to them.

After thoroughly enjoying Heraclea Lyncestis, I headed into to town to visit the big museum where most of the artifacts are kept, but they wouldn’t let me into the EMPTY museum because I didn’t have a vaccination certificate. I don’t know all the details because I don’t get a lot of news while I’m wandering, but I guess Europe has begun new requirements for vaccinations to visit museums, restaurants, etc. I got refused service at one of the restaurants in Mavrovo too for the same reason. It seems to be sporadic, though, so hopefully it won’t be too much of a problem the rest of the trip. Anyway, I checked in to my hostel, which was also empty. I was the only guest. Then I walked the long pedestrian street and old Ottoman bazaar and had a delicious falafel wrap and smoothie at a restaurant that was very happy to have me. In fact, the owner of the restaurant was the one who told me about the new regulations.

After a good nights sleep in my eerily quiet and empty hostel dorm room, I left Bitola for my last stop in Macedonia. Stay tuned…