Project description
The former cinema premises in “Naum Naumovski – Borce” Cultural Centre in Krusevo have been refurbished completely. These premises were ruined and not used for a long time. With the “Exhibition hall and handicraft accessories shop” project they are turned into a wonderful gallery space and a souvenir shop. In the new gallery, local people from Krusevo and tourists can visit the “Krusevo 1998-2004” art colonies exhibition, and other cultural events such as concerts, promotions, etc. The souvenir shop, first one (after a longer period) and for the time being the only one in Krusevo, offers handicraft accessories and craftsman products made by Krusevo craftsman, as well as others from all over Macedonia.

Contact
Nikola Jovanovski, “Naum Naumovski Borce” Cultural Centre, Krusevo
Tel. 045/477-101, 075/653-889, profnikola@yahoo.com

Location
Krusevo, South-western Macedonia

About Krusevo
Krusevo is well known as the highest-located town on the Balkan, seat of the first republic on the Balkans. It is a symbol of the Macedonian people struggle for freedom and centre of the Ilinden Uprising in 1903 for liberation from the Turkish Empire. Tradition can be found on many locations in the town: the Bullet Production Museum the from the Ilinden period, the Museum of the world-wide known artist Nikola Martinoski, the Icons’ Gallery in the St. John church and other places you can visit and find more information in the local tourist bureau. In summertime, visitors find attractive the walks in the famous Krusevo “korya” (grove), while in wintertime – the skiing terrains. In winter there are excellent conditions for Nordic skiing. Krusevo is wonderful paragliding area and the favourite centre of paragliding pilots.

How to reach Krusevo?
You can reach Krusevo by car, or by regular bus line from Skopje that departs at 16.00. From Prilep there is a bus line every hours, whereas from Bitola every two hours.

Where to stay overnight?
In Krusevo, accommodation is offered in Montana Hotel and Panorama Hotel, and in many private houses. Also, children’s resort “Sula Mina” is in the vicinity. Information available at Krusevo tourist bureau, tel. 048/476-442

Local specifics
One of the main features of Krusevo is, of course, the look of the town – narrow streets paved with stone and cobblestone, and specific architecture dominated by stone, wood and “Krusevo blue” facades. You should not miss the opportunity to taste the Krusevo pie, the komitski kebap, the well known Krusevo sausages and other specialties. At the legendary sweetshop “Balkan” you can buy the traditional “celuvki” and the well known Krusevo “lokum”. Few people in Krusevo produce honey with good quality, and in almost every house different traditional sweets are prepared, elderberry home made juice and other specialties. Several craftsmen are still working in Krusevo – shoemakers, barrel maker, carpenter, several goldsmiths, and tinsmith, whose products you can buy and take with you as a souvenir.

What can you see in the surroundings?
You can visit several monasteries and churches in the vicinity of Krusevo, and we recommend the following: “St. Preobrazenie” (Epiphany), “St. Spas” (Salvation) and “St. Vasilija”. In the immediate surrounding of Krusevo there is a man-made lake, where during the summer you can swim and fish. The memorial monument “Makedonium” and the History Museum are near the lake, as well as the wonderful forest where you can go for a walk or a picnic. Of course, near Krusevo you can visit the memorial sites Meckin Kamen, Sliva and Kale, which in addition to the great historical value, have natural and cultural significance. Everywhere in the surrounding you can find the dense untouched nature, while on specific sites you can see sheepfold and wild goats.