Ilinden, Kruševo, North Macedonia

Ilinden, also known as Makedonium, is a monument in Kruševo. It was officially opened in 1974, on the 30th anniversary of the Second Session of the Anti-fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia and the 71st anniversary of Ilinden uprising. The designers of the monument are Jordan Grabuloski and Iskra Grabuloska.

It is dedicated to all the fighters and revolutionaries who participated in the Ilinden uprising of 1903, as well as soldiers-partisans of the Macedonia National Liberation Struggle 1941-1944.

The monument's grounds cover 5 hectares (12 acres). The building has a rounded shape with protruding oval windows. The upper windows are made of stained glass.

Inside the dome is the tomb of Nikola Karev, president of the Kruševo Republic, and the bust of the singer Toše Proeski. The interior of the dome has four windows, each facing a different direction including the locations associated with the Ilinden-related events ″Sliva″ Memorial, Bear stone and Pelagonija.

The memorial complex also features a plateau with series of sculptures named 'Breaking the Chains', symbolizing freedom won in the liberation wars. There is also a crypt with the carved names and important events related to the period before, during and after the Ilinden uprising. The last component is the amphitheater decorated with colorful mosaics.

References:

Wikipedia

Statues in North Macedonia

User Reviews

Nebojsa Gelevski - Bane (2 years ago)
Fantastic architecture and museum content

Yonathan Stein (2 years ago)
Really exotic building from 1974 during former Yugoslavia. It's a memorial for soldiers from 1903. It's open 24h to visit, but to go inside should be open till 16:00 Monday to Saturday. However it's temporarily closed, but you can ask to the security guard to open for you, he is nice.

Nitro Computers (2 years ago)
Futuristic monument of Macedonian struggle for independence on a north hill above Krushevo. Great tourist attraction.

Бојан Петрушевски (3 years ago)
At the time of our visit, the monument was closed for renovations (12.2020) Good place to visit, make sure you read some details about the monument before visiting, there are plenty of facts and stories about it.

Z.M. Todorovski (3 years ago)
Interesting architecture with intriguing design. Worth to visit..

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