It is still unclear what caused the fire that damaged this opulent hotel. With its rich historical heritage, Lake Prespa offers a more serene experience than North Macedonia’s biggest tourist destination, Lake Ohrid. Lake Prespa, where the borders of Southeast Europe were drawn following World War II, held a particular place in Marshal Tito’s heart. Until the conclusion of the Cold War, these borders remained unchanged.
As the spomenik monuments of the Balkans represent unwavering hope, Hotel Evropa is their post-communist equivalent. There was a wave of optimism in the region after Yugoslavia broke up and the newly independent nations stabilized about 1992. There were many fresh opportunities and aspirations for a better future at this time. This feeling of rejuvenation is reflected in Hotel Evropa’s impressive architecture and expansive proportions. This idea is further emphasized by its location, which is close to important historical monuments but away from popular tourist destinations.
The Hotel Evropa’s entrance gate is a remarkable example of communist-era aesthetics, with its angular arms and minimalist design characteristic of spomenik monuments. The name “Hotel Evropa” is still faintly displayed on a banner that connects the arms. Since the hotel was abandoned in 2005, the short route from the gate has been permitted to decay and has gradually been overtaken by vegetation.
Although the cause of the hotel’s closure is still unknown, it is known that a large fire started in the kitchen. Theories about the fire’s precise cause range from electrical malfunctions and hot frying pans to potential intentional arson meant to perpetrate insurance fraud. There is no concrete evidence to support any of these theories. Broken glass and graffiti are now frequent throughout the hotel, which has been abandoned and heavily trashed after the fire.
The ballroom on the ground level of Hotel Evropa is notable for its enormous size and the many broken mirrors that are affixed to the walls and pillars, reflecting the building’s deterioration and neglect. An abandoned bowling alley, a remnant of the hotel’s once-vibrant social scene, sits in ruins in the basement. Surprisingly intact, the main staircase leads to the upper levels, where rooms still provide breathtaking views of Lake Prespa. What’s remarkable now is how the balconies on the lower floors are gradually being overtaken by plants, which is an obvious indication that nature is taking back the area.
