Manastiri i crkve Ohrida

Monasteries and churches of Ohrid - Most important information

The monasteries and churches of Ohrid represent this city's most valuable jewel. Due to the large number of churches and monasteries, Ohrid is also known as the Balkan and European Jerusalem. There are as many as 365 monasteries and churches in this place that bear witness to the Christian and Orthodox history and culture.

The importance of the monasteries and churches of Ohrid

Monasteries and churches in Ohrid have significant cultural and historical significance since they faithfully represent the period in which they were created and all historical turmoil and events.

Saint Clement's Monastery Saint Panteleimon: The temple dedicated to Saint Panteleimon is located near the early Christian basilica in the Plaošnik area. A new church was built on the site of this monastery in the 14th century, which the Turks turned into a mosque a century later. This place once housed the Ohrid School, which was the focus of Slavic literacy, spirituality, and culture. Recent research shows that St. Kliment rebuilt a former monastery in the shape of bronchos, a three-leaf clover, on the monastery's site. Near the sanctuary, 500 graves of monks were discovered, as well as other findings such as gilded clothes, crosses, icons, and various relics.
Saint Naum Monastery of Ohrid: This monastery is built on a high rock above Lake Ohrid, which offers a great view of the entire area. The church itself was destroyed until the 13th century, and in the 16th century, the current church was built on its foundations, which were further expanded. The present church has the shape of an inscribed cross with a dome, and the tomb of St. Naum, which is located here, was additionally decorated. Of the significant remains, there are columns with engraved Glagolitic and Cyrillic letters.
Medieval Church of St. John the Theologian: This church was built and frescoed in the 13th century, while the founder and fresco painters are still unknown. The frescoes that have survived are badly damaged since the church was constantly demolished and abandoned for centuries. In 1889, a new wooden iconostasis was made, and the original appearance of this church was restored after the works in 1964.
The Cathedral of Saint Sophia: The Cathedral of Saint Sophia is one of the most important in the whole of Ohrid since the archbishops of Ohrid were crowned here. In addition, it proclaimed the restoration of the Ohrid archdiocese in 1958. The church is one of the largest fresco life complexes in Byzantine art. The frescoes found here are of exceptional importance and take their place in many scientific publications. The church is dedicated to Saint Sophia, the Wisdom of God, and was built in the 10th century on the foundations of an early Christian basilica. Today, apart from religious services, the church is used as a concert hall and museum.
Church of the Holy Virgin Perivlepta: This church is characterized by vibrant fresco paintings and is popularly known as Saint Kliment since the relics of the saint rested here after the destruction of the monastery of Saint Kliment on Plaodnik. In the moments when the church of Saint Sophia was turned into a mosque, the church of the Holy Virgin Perivlepta was turned into a cathedral church, that is, into a church of the Ohrid archbishop. Apart from the first head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, several other leaders were crowned in this church.
Icon gallery: The icon gallery is located in the museum complex of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Perivlepta in Ohrid. The collection includes several icons, while around 30 are considered top-notch works of art. These icons were created over a long period from the 11th to the 19th century, and today they have an inestimable value, which is why they were exhibited at several major world exhibitions.

How to get to the monasteries and churches in Ohrid?

It is possible to reach any monastery and church by car.

Saint Kliment Monastery: You must follow Goce Delcev Street and turn into Sveti Kiril i Metodij Street. Then turn onto Kuzman Kapidan Street, which will lead you to the parking lot in front of the monastery.
Monastery Saint Naum: Since the monastery, Saint Naum, is located outside the city, it will take about half an hour to drive along the shore of Lake Ohrid. From Ohrid, you must follow road P1301, which will take you further along Bulevar Sveti Naum Ohridski Street. Follow this road to the end, which will take you to the parking lot at the monastery.
The medieval church of St. John the Theologian is located on the very shore of Lake Ohrid, so its path will be similar to that of the monastery of St. Clement. From that monastery, you must continue along Koco Racin Street, bringing you to the end of the street where you need to leave your vehicle and then continue on foot for a few minutes to the church.
Cathedral Church of Saint Sophia: Like the other churches and monasteries on the coast, it is necessary to follow Sveti Kiril i Metodij Street to get to this church. After that, you need to turn off onto Ilindenska Street and then onto Kosta Abras Street, which will take you to the church.
Church of the Holy Virgin Perivlepta and Gallery of Icons: To get to this church, follow St. Cyril and Methodius Street and head towards Clement's University. In Klimentov universitet Street, turn left, where you will soon see this church.