Markovi Kuli

About

Markovi Kuli or Marko's Towers (Macedonian: Маркови Кули, Serbian: Маркове куле / Markove kule) are situated in the northwest of Prilep, North Macedonia, just above the neighbourhood of Varoš. The towers, named after Serbian medieval Prince Marko Mrnjavčević, are located on a 120–180 m high hill, surrounded by steep slopes covered with minute granite stones. The upper part of the former settlement can be reached from its north and south side. The oldest remains on the site from the Hellenistic period, followed by Byzantine remains from the 5th and 6th centuries. Slavic settlement dates from the late 10th century. During the four-decade archaeological research, remnants indicating the existence of an early antique settlement — Keramija, were found. In the Roman period, this small village expanded into the southwest, a fact suggested by the several marble ornaments of an early Christian basilica.

The rampart on this terrain dates from the 13th and 14th centuries and is in good condition. The walls are about one meter thick and were built of limestone mortar and rest upon the large limestone rocks. Internal walls separated the acropolis into smaller areas. The palace of Serbian King Vukašin...