When in Ohrid, North Macedonia, these are the best spots to visit!

Ohrid is a wonderfully pleasant city located in the Republic of North Macedonia, on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, natural beauty and recent boom in popularity as thousands of Europeans discover this beautiful lake town on the southwestern corner of North Macedonia. Here are some of my favorite spots to visit when in Ohrid:

St. Sofia Church

This church is one of the oldest and most important cultural and historical monuments in Ohrid. It was built in the 10th century and is a testament to the city’s rich cultural and religious history. The church is named after the patron saint of Ohrid, St. Sophia, who is revered for her wisdom and holiness.

Samuel’s Fortress

This fortress is located on a hill overlooking the city and was built in the 10th century by the Byzantine Emperor Samuel. It is named after him and is a popular tourist destination because of its rich history and truly gorgeous views of the city.

Plaosnik & the Church of St. Panteleimon

This is a historic neighborhood located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It is home to the Church of St. Panteleimon, which was built in the 10th century and is considered one of the oldest churches in the region. The church is known for its beautiful frescoes and mosaics, and it is believed to be the burial place of St. Clement of Ohrid, who was a disciple of St. Cyril and St. Methodius.

The Ohrid Amphitheatre (aka Ancient Theatre of Ovid)

This ancient Macedonian amphitheater was built approximately around the year 200 BC. It is one of the oldest and best preserved amphitheaters in the region and was used for public performances and events. Many fierce and bloody battles between gladiators took place back in the days, nowadays it hosts some of the world’s most renowned ballet companies and opera performers.

The Ohrid Bazaar

This bazaar located in the center of Ohrid is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs and to sample some of the local cuisine. In contrast to some bazaars you might have visited in the neighboring countries, Ohrid’s Bazaar is a smaller version of this bustling Balkan venue, but don’t let that fool you…Ohrid’s Bazaar packs a lot of wonderful surprises!

The National Ohrid Museum

This museum is located in the old part of the city and features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Boasting being one of the oldest museums in Europe (which is already saying a lot), it is said this museum existed 200 years before the first painting ever came into the Louvre. Containing some most intriguing artifacts from one of Ohrid’s wealthiest and most prominent families, the Robev, it is a great place to learn about the lake city’s past and to see some of its most important cultural treasures.