Plaošnik

Plaosik - Most important information

Plaosnik is an archaeological site in the old town of Ohrid, not far from Samuil's fortress. At the same time, this is one of the main religious sites in the entire city, and the history of this complex goes back even before the beginning of Christianity. Today, Plaosnik is the subject of primary archaeological research, and the relics of Saint Clement of Ohrid are also located here.

History of Plaosnik

Plaosnik was created during the beginning of Christianity, and many believe that the roots of this locality exist from earlier times. On the territory of this religious place, several large early Christian basilicas and the remains of the church of Saint Panteleimon were found. Saint Clement of Ohrid, an extremely influential person throughout history, worked in this church.

A mosque once stood on the premises of the Church of St. Clement: The Church of St. Clement was built around the 9th century, and it was constantly upgraded and renovated over the next few centuries. However, when the Ottomans took over Ohrid, the church became an Imaret mosque. In addition to the church, there was also the tomb of Saint Clement of Ohrid in this area. The remains of the Imaret Mosque were removed in 1999, and the restoration of Kliment's Church took place.
The famous Ohrid school was located within the complex: In the monastery around the church at the time of St. Clement, the school was found, representing the center of Slavic literacy and culture. The works of Clement of Ohrid represent the masterpieces of medieval Slavic literature since he was the first author of literary works among the southern Slavs.

Significance of Plaosnik

The religious site of Plaosnik has enormous historical and cultural value both for the city of Ohrid itself and for the entire history of Slavic literature and Christianity in this area. Because of all this, archaeological research in Plaosnik is carried out periodically and systematically since the place is full of new knowledge and information. In addition, the reconstruction of the church and the restoration of the University of St. Clement contribute to additional knowledge and awareness of the importance of this place.

The renovation of Clement's University was started in 2007: The committee for this University comprises essential scientists and church officials, who are also at the head of this project. New buildings will house a museum, a gallery of icons, and old manuscripts from the Ohrid Museum. One part is intended for the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
Archaeological research in Plaosnik led to the discovery of many vital objects: in 1999, the baptistery of the basilica and a floor covered with mosaics were found in the area of Plaosnik. In addition, almost 3000 coins belonging to the 16th century were discovered. Excavation of the monastery quarters and the University, located nearby, is also underway.

How to get to Plaosnik?

Plaosnik is located 250 m from Samuil's fortress and on the hill's southern side. Plaosnik can be reached by car right in front of the locality, and then walking a few minutes to the place itself is necessary.

By car: If you are coming from the central part of Ohrid, you can get to Plaošnik by following Bulevara Turisticka Street, then turning off at the roundabout towards Abas Emin Street. After that street, continue along Sveti Kiril i Metodij street, which will take you past Samuil's fortress and then to the site. If you are coming from the opposite direction of the city, you need to follow the P1301 road to the roundabout, where you turn off towards Abas Emin Street, i.e., Saint Cyril and Methodius. Further on, the road follows the same route.