Prilep

A large town located in the Pelagonia Valley of south-central Macedonia, Prilep has been inhabited since Neolithic times. In the later 14th century, it was for a time the capital of Macedonia’s most famous medieval king, Kral Marko, a legendary warrior who became an important figure in Macedonian epic poetry. His impregnable fortress still adorns a hill above the town. The other major attraction of the Prilep area is the clifftop monastery of St Archangel Mikhail. This and the monasteries of Treskavec and Zrze are situated in close proximity to the town. (churches and monasteries) Today, Prilep is one of Macedonia’s major agricultural centers, best known for its flavorful tobacco. The arid soil makes for perfect growing conditions for not only this but a wide range of vegetables besides. Prilep is also known for its valuable quarries, which contain some of the highest quality marble to be found in the Balkans.