Located on the most famous street in Macedonia – Širok Sokak, the Catholic Church “Sacred Heart of Jesus” is one of the most recognizable spiritual and architectural symbols of Bitola. Among the local population, it is simply known as the Catholic Church and stands as a quiet yet striking witness to the city’s cosmopolitan history.
In the mid-19th century, Bitola experienced significant growth – numerous consular missions were opened, and foreign officials, merchants, and their families arrived in the city. With the increase in the Catholic population, the need arose for a permanent priest who would care for the spiritual life and education of the faithful. Thus, in 1848, a permanent priest was appointed in Bitola, although his stay was short-lived.
A key role in the establishment of the church was played by the Lazarists, who in the 19th century began their mission to spread the Catholic faith within the Ottoman Empire. The founder of the parish was Jean-Joseph Lepavec, who in 1857 purchased the “Lokanda” hotel on Širok Sokak and arranged a small chapel inside it. It was here that the first Holy Mass was celebrated on Easter of the same year, and the chapel was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Catholic mission enjoyed strong support from the French Consulate in Bitola, which assisted its operation and development in various ways. In 1870, a new church in Baroque style was built at the present location, but unfortunately it was destroyed by fire in 1900.
The main street, Shirok Sokak (then Rue Hamidie) with the Catholic Church – early 20th century
The main street, Shirok Sokak (then Rue Hamidie) with the Catholic Church seen from another angle – – early 20th century
Shirok Sokak Bitola – early 20th century
On the same site, in 1909, the present-day church was erected — a magnificent building in Neo-Gothic style. The architectural design was created by a French architect, while its construction was carried out by Macedonian craftsmen, giving it special cultural value.
Shirok Sokak with the Catholic Church in 1916
The interior of the church impresses with its artistic and spiritual atmosphere: three altars, numerous icons and statues, a baptismal font, and wooden pews for the faithful. The main altar, made of chestnut wood in Gothic style, was brought from Munich, Germany. The two smaller altars are in French Neo-Gothic style, while the new altar and the pulpit, made of walnut wood in 1975, are the work of master craftsman Gjorgji Karadžov. The bell tower, built between 1938 and 1940, is a gift from Slovenian believers.
Today, the Catholic Church “Sacred Heart of Jesus” is not only a living spiritual center for the faithful of the Bitola region, but also an important tourist attraction — a place that tells the story of the multicultural, European soul of Bitola and proudly enriches its historical landscape.
