National Park Pelister
Јавна Установа Национален Парк Пелистер
History is a part of who we were, who we are, and who we will be. As you explore these pages, we hope you find what you are looking for – but even more importantly, we hope you discover something that surprises you. We invite you to learn more about history and how the National Park Service works to preserve it.
Pelister National Park was proclaimed on November 30, 1948 by a law endorsed by the Presidium of the People’s Republic of Macedonia. According to the Law on Nature Protection the public institution Pelister National Park is responsible for the protection and management of the Park.
Mountain Baba, more commonly known as Pelister is the southern most mountsin with alpine characteristics. Set between the valleys of Pelagonija and Prespa, its over 465 milion years old and the highest peak in the park is 2,601 meters above sea level.
There are two legends linked to the name Pelister. When viewed from a far, the grey – white stones on the mountain sides resemble a dove. One legend says that the name Pelister comes from the Greek word dor dove – perister. Accoriding to the other legend the name has its origins from the characteristic five – needle pine in the park.
The Molika pine – Pinus peuce is the best known feature of National Park Pelister. This species was discovered by the Austrian botanist August Grisebach in 1839. Although the Molika is also found in other mountains of the Balkans, one of the oldest and mosto compact forest communities can be found on Pelister. By walking on Pelister it is possible to find trees over 230 years old.
In the spring and summer, the meadows are coloured with many flowers, bathing in the heavenly sun. To view the daily butterflies Scythris crupta nad Scythris similis, wich only live in Pelister, is magical. You can also view the night butterfly Hadena clara macedonica that ist found only in Macedonia.
If you are archeology lover, find some time to visit settlements form the Iron Age the medieval period that are near the park. Following the ancient path Via Egnatia wich passes through the Park you will have a unique opportunity to walk the same road that the Apostle Paul, the Macedonian Phalanx, the Romean Legions and the Byzantine Tsars traveled.