American and Macedonian archaeology students
explored the extensive ruins of Markovi Kuli situated northwest of the modern city
of Prilep. Some of the walls, such as the lower walls on the north slope, are attributed to King Markovi
during the 14th century. Other sections of the castle, such as the walls near the Keep Gate
and the Upper Acropolis, are dated to the 10th and probably date to the reign of Tsar Samoil.
The North Gate (low) allowing access to the flat area
before the entrance teo the keep. These walls may date from the time of Tsar Samoil
(10th century AD).
Stair steps along the bedrock side of one of
the castle's cisterns.
South gate to the city - possibly dating to the period
of King Markovi (14th century AD).
South gate with an inserted timber.
Rectangular tower in the northeast corner viewed
from the castle keep.
Rectangular tower in the northeast corner viewed
from the castle keep.
Rectangular tower in the northeast corner
viewed from the ground level.
Gate leading from the lower town to the castle keep.
Paraport in the lower town near the North Gate.
Postern gate examined by Kiro Ristov.
Professor Norman Brown (St. Louis Community College),
Kiro Ristov (City Museum of Skopje) and the city archaeologist for Prilep.
St. Louis Community College and Macedonian students
enjoy the heights of Markovi Kule.
A reconstruction of the Prilep Castle.
Artifacts excavated from the Prilep Castle.
Artifacts excavated from the Prilep Castle.
Artifacts excavated from the Prilep Castle.
Artifacts excavated from the Prilep Castle.
Architectural proposal for the square towers at the Prilep Castle.
Map of the walls of the Prilep Castle.
GPS data for Markovi Kuli in Prilep:
Lowest line of fortifications (14th c. AD) facing the town (south side of hill)
N 41 degrees 21.658'
E 21 degrees 32.363'
Elevation 872 meters
Low Gate on South side facomg the town
N 41 degrees 21.658'
E 21 degrees 32.363'
Elevation 872 meters
Lower on the flat of the hill
N 41 degrees 21.713'
E 21 degrees 32.296'
Elevation not recorded (approximately 900 meters)
North Gate opening onto the flat of the hill
N 41 degrees 21.714'
E 21 degrees 43.308'
Elevation 907 meters
Defensive wall with paraport near North Gate
N 41 degrees 21.734'
E 21 degrees 32.330'
Elevation 908 meters
Rectangular, two storied tower east of North Gate
N 41 degrees 21.746'
E 21 degrees 32.364'
Elevation 927 meters
Cistern within keep
N 41 degrees 21.746'
E 21 degrees 32.364'
Elevation 932 meters
Top of the hill and castle, now crowned with a huge metal cross
N 41 degrees 21.718'
E 21 degrees 32.387'
Elevation 962 meters
Webpage created 26 July 2005
Updated 15 December 2005