Prilep landscape with Marko's Towers

Prilep

City Under Marko's Towers

Pelagonia Region
4.4/5 Rating
66,246 residents

About Prilep

Prilep, known as the "City Under Marko's Towers," is a historic city in the Pelagonia region of North Macedonia. Famous for its tobacco industry and unique rock formations, Prilep offers visitors a fascinating blend of medieval history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. The city is dominated by the imposing Marko's Towers, medieval fortress ruins that tell the story of the legendary King Marko.

The surrounding landscape is characterized by dramatic granite rock formations that create a unique "stone city" appearance. These rocks have been shaped by centuries of erosion into fantastic forms, providing a stunning backdrop to the city. Prilep is also home to the ancient Treskavec Monastery, one of the most important medieval monuments in the country, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop with breathtaking views of the Pelagonia plain.

Top Attractions

Marko's Towers
Historic
4.7

Marko's Towers

Medieval fortress ruins associated with the legendary King Marko

2-3 hours
Treskavec Monastery
Religious
4.8

Treskavec Monastery

13th-century monastery perched on a rocky hill with stunning frescoes

2 hours
Tobacco Museum
Museum
4.3

Tobacco Museum

Museum dedicated to Prilep's tobacco industry and cultural heritage

1 hour
Zlatovrv
Nature
4.6

Zlatovrv

Unique rock formations creating a natural stone city landscape

Half day
Clock Tower
Historic
4.2

Clock Tower

Ottoman-era clock tower in the city center

30 minutes
Varoš Old Quarter
Historic
4.4

Varoš Old Quarter

Historic neighborhood with traditional Macedonian architecture

1-2 hours

Things to Do

Rock Climbing

Explore the unique granite formations and enjoy world-class rock climbing

Medieval History

Discover the legends of King Marko and explore medieval fortresses

Photography

Capture the dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations

Where to Eat

Restoran Makedonska Kukja

Traditional Macedonian

4.6
$$
Prilep-style lamb, Traditional dishes

Pivnica Temov

Balkan Grill

4.4
$
Grilled meats, Local beer

Restaurant Zlatovrv

International

4.3
$$
Mixed cuisine, Mountain views

Annual Events

July

Prilep Beer Festival

Annual beer festival with live music and local brewery showcases

August

King Marko Festival

Medieval festival celebrating the legendary King Marko with reenactments

September

Tobacco Festival

Celebration of Prilep's tobacco heritage with cultural events

Discover Prilep's Legends

Experience the mystical city under Marko's Towers, where medieval legends meet natural wonders.