The medieval fortress defended by only forty soldiers against the encroaching Ottoman Empire

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Perched high above the city of Prilep, North Macedonia, lie the ruins of Markovi Kuli. Named for a legendary Serbian prince, this ancient site has served as a Hellenistic settlement, a Roman village, and a medieval stronghold. Explore the history of these granite-strewn towers and their final, desperate defense.

Markovi Kuli, or Marko's Towers, sits atop a 120 to 180-meter hill overlooking the neighborhood of Varoš in North Macedonia. The site boasts a remarkably layered history, with archaeological evidence tracing its origins back to the Hellenistic period. Subsequent centuries saw the expansion of the area, including Byzantine structures from the 5th and 6th centuries and a Slavic settlement that emerged in the late 10th century. Excavations have even uncovered remnants of an early antique settlement known as Keramija, alongside marble ornaments from an early Christian basilica that suggest the site grew significantly during the Roman era.

The fortress as it stands today is defined by its 13th and 14th-century ramparts, constructed from limestone mortar atop massive natural rock formations. The acropolis was once divided into smaller sections by internal walls, housing the palace of King Vukašin and his son, Prince Marko Mrnjavčević. Despite the site's strategic importance, historical findings suggest that for much of the 14th century, the fortress was defended by a surprisingly small garrison of only 40 soldiers. This limited force faced immense pressure as the region became a target for raids, with the site serving as a temporary refuge for the local population during Turkish incursions.

The end of the fortress as a primary settlement arrived following the death of King Marko in 1395, when Ottoman forces seized control. This transition forced the local inhabitants to relocate to a new settlement at the base of the towers, which became known as Varoš. This new community was organized into distinct quarters, each featuring its own church. Today, the site remains a testament to centuries of shifting power, from the early antique foundations to the final medieval stand that defined the landscape of the region before the Ottoman era took hold.

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