The ramparts
Above the old town.
Stanisław Ludwiński — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Михал Орела — CC BY 2.0 · Mister No — CC BY 3.0 · Adriaan Castermans — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Stanisław Ludwiński — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Михал Орела — CC BY 2.0
Samuel's Fortress crowns the hill above Ohrid's old town, its walls and towers enclosing the highest ground between the lake and the plain. It takes its name from Tsar Samuel, who ruled from Ohrid at the turn of the 11th century and rebuilt the fortress as a medieval stronghold in the late 900s. Excavations suggest it stands on an older fortification of the 4th century BC, possibly built by King Philip II of Macedon. Much of what you see today was heavily restored in 2003, with new battlements added where none had survived. From the ramparts you look down on the roofs and churches of the old town and along the whole sweep of the lake. There is a small entry fee at the gate. Come in the morning or late afternoon, as the walls are exposed to the summer heat, and combine the visit with Plaošnik and the Ancient Theatre on the walk down.
Above the old town.
End to end.
To Plaošnik and the theatre.
Top of the old town hill, Ohrid
Ancient TheatreThe Ancient Theatre is set into the hillside of Ohrid's old town between two hil3 minutes walk4.4
PlaošnikPlaošnik is an archaeological site and holy place on the slope about 250 metres 4 minutes walk4.6
Church of Saint SophiaThe Church of Saint Sophia is one of the most important medieval monuments in No5 minutes walk4.8
Church of St. John at KaneoThe Church of St. John at Kaneo stands alone on a rocky point above the lake at 6 minutes walk4.8
Robevi Family HouseThe Robevi Family House is one of the finest old houses in Ohrid, a tall white t6 minutes walk4.5About an hour on the walls; it combines easily with Plaošnik and the Ancient Theatre in one morning.