Biggest church in the Balkans to be built in Bitola

Bitola home to biggest Balkan church

Bitola is to be home of the largest church in Balkans as construction plans were released earlier this week by the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

The church is to be named after all Macedonian saints (Soboren Hram Na Site Makedonski Svetiteli).

The initial construction of the project began in the 90's but the building process has been slow to date with only a quarter of the church having been constructed due to a lack of funds.

Recently, the plans have been revised and the church will now become the largest in the Balkans as announced this week.

The church will be 12 stories or 80 meters tall  and 50 meters wide with grand views of Pelagonia. A tower will also be constructed beside the church that will house a restaurant and viewing platform.

The architect now in charge will be Janko Konstantinov who is also the head architect at the Uspenie Na Presveta Bogorodica church in Strumica, which will now become the 3rd largest church in the Balkans once these two are constructed. Konstantinov will take over from Jorgo Shundovski.

The project will house three restaurants and on every floor will include, cafes, offices and galleries.

The aim of the project is to restore the symbolism of the town that was once called "Monastir" with over 60 churches and monasteries.