After the capture of Bitola by the Allies in November 1916, the armies of the Central Powers (Germany and Bulgaria) retreated to the surrounding mountains.
Thus, Bitola (Monastir) and the surrounding villages found themselves in the middle of the front line and were subjected to two years of constant bombardment. According to some sources, during the two-year bombing, just in Bitola were dropped more than 20,000 bombs of various types.
The two armies also used gas bombs, and in the middle was the local population, with casualties unknown even today.
Today in Bitola can’t be found many places that would witness the horrors of that time, but remnants of the war can be found in the surrounding mountains. One such location is the “Path of the First World War” in the National Park Pelister.
The walk in this path, through the picturesque landscapes of the National Park Pelister, is a great experience for the whole family, and a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about the First World War in Bitola.
The trail starts next to the Info Center in Pelister, possessing excellent exhibition of the flora and fauna of Pelister and ends near the Hotel Molika, with many rest stations for recreation and education.
Historical Trail: Hotel Molika – Tourist Information Centre – Hotel Molika
- Track length : 2,5km
- Time : 2 hours (approx)
- Difficulty : Easy
- Track Amplitudes : 1420m – 1350 m – 1420 m above sea level
- Begova cesma ( hotel Molika ) 1420 m
- Information Centre – National Park Pelister 1350 m
- Begova cesma ( hotel Molika ) 1420 m
