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Ohrid: The jewel in the crown of Macedonia

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Things you should know before visiting Lake Ohrid in Macedonia:

“Don’t let that powerful water mesmerize you with sleep.

It has such a power: it mesmerizes you to sleep, it enchants you, and then attracts you to itself with its magic.

And you will stay in Ohrid for many days and years, and you will keep coming back.”

– Branislav Nušić, writer (“On the Shores of Lake Ohrid”)

LAKE OHRID IN MACEDONIA

ohrid-landscapes

Robevi family house in Ohrid
The Robevi house is a traditional Ottoman Turkish house style
Robevi house in Ohrid
Robevi family house built in 19 century

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Breathtaking scenery of the bright blue lake surrounded by the snowy mountains,

with the sun that baths in crystal clearness of the lake fed by the spring water.

Ohrid, the town on the shore of Lake Ohrid.

Ohrid, called the jewel of the crown of Macedonia.

 A scenic place with splendid landscapes: the lake, the mountains, the churches, the monasteries and the fortress.

church-of-st-john-of-kaneo-overlooking-lake
Church of St John of Kaneo (Sv. Jovan od Kaneo) on the cliff overlooking the Lake Ohrid

Ohrid town, one of the oldest settlements in Europe seated on the shore of one of the oldest lakes in Europe.

 The town of Ohrid, an ancient historic place with archeological sites dating from the Stone Age up to the Middle Ages.

Ohrid lake, a natural phenomenon with a few hundred endemic flora and fauna species.

Ohrid, a spiritual and educational center.

The spiritual center once called “Jerusalem of the Balkans” for 365 churches. 365 churches, one for each day of the year.

The educational center for the first Slavonic University in the Balkans and the Ohrid literally school where the Slav literature was created.

st-panteleimon-monastery-on-plaosnik-build-in-byzantine-style
St Panteleimon (9th century), the oldest Slav monastery. It is believed to be the first Slav university for teaching first students of the Slavonic scripts (the Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets)
St. Panteleimon monastery in Ohrid
St. Panteleimon monastery

Ohrid, a historic, architectural, cultural and artistic museum

with the heritage dating back to the prehistoric Neolithic period, the Byzantine era and the Ottoman era.

Ancient ruins on the shore of Lake Ohrid in Macedonia
Ancient ruins in Ohrid
Ancient Ohrid theater
Ancient Ohrid theater of Hellenistic type built 200 BC
Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid
Church of St. Sophia with Byzantine style frescoes
Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid
Church of St. Sophia, built from 8-11 century
St. Clement of Ohrid church in Ohird
A fresco in the church of the Holy Mother of God Perivleptos (St. Clement of Ohrid)

Ohrid, a UNESCO’s World Heritage Cultural and Natural site,

where masterpieces of art and nature are packed with a superb dreamy, romantic, and calming atmosphere.

Wondering was I mesmerized by Ohrid?! Do I need to say I will be coming back to Ohrid!?!

Me on the lake Ohrid in Macedonia

And what about you, are you mesmerized by Macedonian Ohrid?


WHAT TO DO IN OHRID: Lake Ohrid in Macedonia is a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts. So, the best things to do in Ohrid are to take a guided boat tour or water taxi to see the lake from all the perspectives or simply swim in Ohrid lake or enjoy walking the waterfront promenade.

WHAT TO SEE IN OHRID: One of the things to do in Ohrid is to visit famous Ohrid churches – church of St John at Kaneo, the church of St Sophia, Holy Mother of God Peribleptos church, beautiful Ohrid monastery of St. Panteleimon, ancient Ohrid theater, Samuel’s Fortress,  and Robevi family house.

WHERE IS OHRID: Ohrid is about 110 mi (175 km) southwest of Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.

HOW TO GET TO LAKE OHRID MACEDONIA: Ohrid Macedonia is accessible by car, by 3.5-hour bus drive from Skopje Bus Station, or by plane. The Ohrid airport connects Ohrid with Zurich, Basel, Ljubljana, Belgrade, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Brussels, and London, although the majority of airlines fly only during summer.

WHERE TO STAY IN OHRID: Recommended accommodation in Ohrid – Ohrid hostels and Ohrid hotels

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXPLORE BALKANS MORE, YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:


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Milijana
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Tori

Thursday 9th of January 2020

Incredibly interesting review, beautiful photos, I like reading your blog! Thanks for sharing!

Agness of Fit Travelling

Sunday 5th of March 2017

I have heard that Ohrid has 365 churches, one for each day of the year. This is a great place. I will add it to my bucket list, Milijana!

Milijana

Thursday 16th of March 2017

Hey, Agness. Ohrid used to have hundreds of churches, but over time only several remained. But, needless to say, it is a wonderful place.

Theresa

Wednesday 4th of January 2017

Breathtaking indeed! Ohrid looks like a beautiful town to visit, full of art and history and great walks.

Gokul Raj

Tuesday 3rd of January 2017

Perfect place to go canoeing. I hope that is allowed in the lake. The place has a magical touch to it with all those churches.

Carol Colborn

Tuesday 3rd of January 2017

Oh my, we were in Skopje in 2015! How could I have missed this???

Milijana

Tuesday 3rd of January 2017

Sorry to hear you have missed visiting the lake in 2015. Next time then! :-)