In the history resources, Prilep has been mentioned in 1014 for the
first time. The territory of the city and its countryside were one of
the most important strategical, political and military places in this
part of the Balkans. Many important crossroads, which led from Greece
to Adriatic see, were crossing Pelagonija.
The important antic roads "Via Ignazia" and "Via Militaris" had its most
natural connection with the whole Balkans, crossing Prilep. The shortest
road that connects Venetia and Dubrovnik businessperson with the ones in
Thessalonica was crossing Prilep, too. Through the centuries there were
many cultures on this space, like Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine, Slavic
culture and others too.
The most representative monumental complexes from the antic period are:
Bedem in Cepigovo, Bezisten between Prilepec and Volkovo, and some places
in the city.
It is confirmed that there are found and reminders of the antic cities
like: Stibera, Alcomena, Keramia, Colobansa etc.
Having in mind the percent of the cultural – historical monuments and the
middle age century is important too. From this century there are: St.
Nicola’s church from XIII century, St. Uspenie church in Bogorodica like
part of Treskavec monastery with effigy XV,XVI and XIX century, then
monastery with St. Preobrazenie church Which is found in the Zrze village.
The most important cultural – historical place is the city for itself. It
was the center of the larger political and territorial organization, and
important political and military place where Macedonian king Samuel used
to stay. That place takes the space between the hill Marco’s Fortress and
the round spaces with the Under Fortress place, Varos and Zagrad. On the
hill of Marco’s Fortress is found one of the five largest palaces in the
Balkans that contains three defense levels and many buildings and gates.
The greatest development Prilep enjoyed in the last quarter of the XIII
and the first half of the XIV century. Results of that development are the
important monuments from that period like: The only researching place rest
of the Slavic living place (X century), St. Arahangel Michael church with
FRESKI from XI century. In the XV century In the city was formed Business
center with the famous Old Bazaar.
In the period of Macedonian culture and national rebirth, Prilep is very
important center of the Slavic literacy, literature and culture. From this
period very special meaning have educational activities, which in Prilep
were presented by the Macedonian teachers Jordan Konstantinov (Dzinot),
Dimitar Miladinov, Rajko Zinzifov and Kuzman Sapkarev, and the influence
that famous collector of Macedonian folk songs, stories, legends, riddles,
Marko Cepenkov had.
In the Ilinden period, the city was center of the Macedonian national
movement for freedom. 50 revolutionaries like: Pere Toshev, Georche
Petrov, Petre Acev and many more, were fighters for freedom and what is
very important they came from Prilep.
On 11th of October 1941 in Prilep with the attack over Police station
started the armed revolution of the Macedonian people for its national
freedom and independence, against fascism. THE GRAVE OF THE WINNERS like
one of the most important historical reminders in which are beard over 650
freedom fighters, is very important witness for the massive and sacrificing
participation of the people from this city in the Second World War.
The most important growth, Prilep had in the time of the free after war
development, when it became respected and big political – administrative,
cultural – educational scientist and commercial center in Macedonia.