Krushevo

Krushevo was not only the site of our COS conference—it is also a hotbed of Macedonian history! Early in the 20th century when Macedonia was still under Ottoman rule, a bunch of Krushevites rose up against their oppressors and founded the first incarnation of an independent Macedonian republic, conveniently called the Krushevo Republic. The Krushevites held down the fort (a figurative fort, I think) for all of 10 days before the Ottomans returned and put their feet up on the nascent republic.

Krushevo is somewhat of a tourist destination these days. In the 70s, a monument in honor of the short-lived Krushevo Republic was built. However, two fatal errors were made with regard to this monument. First, they named it the “Makedonium.” I don’t know about you, but for me, that name evokes images of a crumbling sports complex. Second, they modeled the monument after a retro-futuristic tinker-toy spaceship.

Makedonium aside, Krushevo was a darling little mountain town. And they have a great public transportation system.