26 June 2008 | The ancient site of Heraklea Lynkestis in south-western Macedonia is now completely illuminated and entrance into is controlled through an electronic fence, thanks to a project supported by the Italian government, national media reported recently.

In addition to the new lighting and fence, signs which explain each of the site’s structures have been installed, in an effort to improve the visitors’ understanding of the structures and the excavated objects.

The project, made possible by the Italian government’s donation of 130,000 euros, is part of broader activities, which also include improvement at the archaeological sites of Stobi and Skupi, located – respectively, at the place where the Crna River goes into the Vardar River and near the capital Skopje respectively. The two main goals for the three sites are their protection and their illumination, in order to allow night visits. Additional training activities of the staff are also included.

Heraklea Lynkestis, which is located at about 2 kilometres from the town of Bitola in south-western Macedonia, is one of the best preserved ancient cities in Macedonia. Founded in the fourth century BC by the ancient Greek ruler Philip II of Macedon – the father of Alexander the Great, and conquered by the Romans two centuries later, it stood on the Via Egnatia and became one of the key stations on this trading route.

Some of the remains that archaeologists have discovered at the site are impressive mosaics, an amphitheatre, Roman baths, town walls, a portico, ancient basilicas, an Episcopal church and a Jewish temple. The Roman theatre is often used for summer concerts and theatre shows, like the some of the events that are part of Bitola Summer Festival, which BalkanTravellers.com reported on earlier in the week.

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