Sights · Our pick
Heraclea Lyncestis
Mosaics of the Basilica
An ancient city on Bitola’s edge, with a Roman theatre and early Christian mosaics.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Petar Milošević · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany · CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Marcin Konsek · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 3
About Heraclea Lyncestis
Just outside Bitola, on the slopes of Mount Baba, the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis is thought to have been founded by Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC, and it flourished under Rome on the Via Egnatia. The site covers about four hectares, including some 1,300 square metres of mosaics. Walk past the portico of a Roman courthouse, the baths and the theatre, all of the 2nd century AD, to the Early Christian episcopal residence and the small and great basilicas. The Great Basilica’s mosaics are the highlight, though some are covered in winter; hours vary by season.
Our take
- Roman theatre
- Great Basilica mosaics
- Near the centre
- Address
- Bitola, the Balkans
- Our city guide
- On our Skopje guide
- Price guide
- € (sights price guide)
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Heraclea Lyncestis before you go.
Last checked: October 2026 How we choose
Location
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