Private Tour

Jewish Heritage of Monastir - Bitola

Overview

Available languages

English

Croatian

Serbian

Mobile ticket

Bitola, or also known as Monastir during the Ottoman Empire, was and still is an important town: It was established by Philip II, father of Alexander The Great; It is on the Ancient Roman Road of Via Egnatia; and it was the town where the international community decided to open consulates to the Ottoman Empire. Today, Bitola is a town with a wealth of cultures intertwined in its streets and residents. Likewise, the remnants of a once thriving Jewish community are scattered throughout the town, and blended in the everyday life as a memory. In this tour we visit the oldest Jewish cemetery in the Balkans, we walk through the old Jewish neighbourhood to see where the Jewish once people lived, visit the Old Bazaar to see where the Jewish people once worked, and we see the many monuments that the local people of Bitola enacted in memory of their fellow citizens. In the process we learn also about the rich history of Bitola and its tasty cuisine.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Transport to and back from the Jewish Cemetery

The Shirok Sokak (Wide Street) of Bitola is a popular place to go for a coffee, we may do it to experience the local culture.

A sweet-shop in Bitola is making a Jewish cake, in honour of the loss of its fellow citizens. And it is a good cake too.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Hotel Epinal

Shirok Sokak Bitola Republic of North Macedonia

Tokin House

Marks and Engels 7, Bitola Republic of North Macedonia

Hotel Millenium

Shirok Sokak, 46, Bitola Republic of North Macedonia

Korzo Apartments

30 Saint Clement Of Ohrid Bitola Republic of North Macedonia

Hotel De Niro

ul. Kiril i Metodij 5, Bitola Republic of North Macedonia

Bela Kuka Hotel

Dimitar Ilievski Murato 20 Bitola Republic of North Macedonia

Hotel Teatar

35, Stiv Naumov Str. Bitola Republic of North Macedonia

What To Expect

The Jewish Cemetery in Bitola is the oldest, standing Jewish cemetery in the Balkan. A place of peace and a place of stories.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

The monument was placed by the citizens of Bitola in memory of their lost fellow citizens - the Jewish people. I will tell you stories about that dreadful event of 15 march 1943.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Jewish Heritage of Monastir - Bitola

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Beyond grateful for this professional and personalized tour!
38ruthm,
May 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We knew very little about our family's history in Bítola because our elders who emigrated to the US in 1912 did not share those stories very often. Rante put an incredible amount of personal attention, ahead of time, into researching our family name(s) and finding what information was available. We were able to stand at the address where my grandmother's family lived. On top of this he shared the overall Jewish history of Bítola (from early times to thriving community, to tragic 1943) on an incredible walking tour which made it all come alive quite organically. He was always ready to answer our questions or to stop for a break or food or whatever we might need. Our first visit to this ancestral land was meaningful and memorable due entirely to Rante's fabulous research, deep knowledge of special local places to visit, and genuine enthusiasm for history. The city itself is very joyous and full of friendly people and colorful food, clothing, music, and energy. We look forward to returning some day soon.
Brings life to history
886hankg,
Jun 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked with Rante privately. Even before we arrived he proved exceptionally valuable. He researched family and found documents in Macedonian achieves that are of great interest. Rante’s detail knowledge of Orthodox, Muslim and Jewish history brought beauty to a once iconic trading city. We are a family of 9 with 4 children. Rante delivered a wonderfun and exciting experience to all!
Finding My Great Grandfather
MonastirJoe,
Jun 18, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Rante led me and my family through one of the most powerful days of my life. His expertise, energy and compassion enabled us to pull together the threads of my family's stories with historic records and local knowledge. We were able to find my Great Grandfather's house and walk the streets that my Grandfather left as a boy of 12. We also got to visit the restored cemetery where over 400 years of my ancestors are buried. This experience has led to many more discoveries about our family and answered many questions. I can never thank Rante enough for the experience.
A truly excellent guide
jlbPhilly,
Jun 17, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Rante (Bojan) is the best possible guide one could wish for. He is extremely knowledgeable, kind, professional, friendly, and outgoing. If you have specialized interests or needs, he will be sure to accommodate them. I highly recommend traveling with Rante. You will find the experience -- and North Macedonia as a whole -- quite memorable.