The frescoes
From three centuries.
Pearlieboy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Adriaan Castermans — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Mister No — CC BY 3.0 · Bijonse — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bijonse — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bijonse — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Church of Saint Sophia is one of the most important medieval monuments in North Macedonia, a long basilica of stone and brick in the lower part of Ohrid's old town. Most of the present building dates from the 11th century, when it was the cathedral of the archbishops of Ohrid, raised over the sites of earlier churches; its west front with its galleries was added in the 14th century. Inside are frescoes from the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, counted among the most significant Byzantine paintings of their time. In the Ottoman period the church was converted into a mosque, and a detail of the building appears on the Macedonian 1,000-denar banknote. Today it is open to visitors as a monument and hosts concerts during the Ohrid Summer Festival, thanks to its fine acoustics. There is a small entry fee, and photography inside is usually not allowed. The shaded square in front is a pleasant place to sit, and the lakefront is a few steps away.
From three centuries.
14th-century galleries.
In the Ohrid festival.
Lower part of the old town near the lakefront, Ohrid
Robevi Family HouseThe Robevi Family House is one of the finest old houses in Ohrid, a tall white t2 minutes walk4.5
PlaošnikPlaošnik is an archaeological site and holy place on the slope about 250 metres 3 minutes walk4.6
Ancient TheatreThe Ancient Theatre is set into the hillside of Ohrid's old town between two hil4 minutes walk4.4
Samuel's FortressSamuel's Fortress crowns the hill above Ohrid's old town, its walls and towers e5 minutes walk4.6
Church of St. John at KaneoThe Church of St. John at Kaneo stands alone on a rocky point above the lake at 6 minutes walk4.8Yes, it was converted into a mosque in the Ottoman period; today it is a monument open to visitors.