A magical city with a fairytale-like landscape in the southwest of North Macedonia. Ohrid… This city, where you will feel as if you have traveled back in time, more than deserves the title of “Pearl of Macedonia” with its historical texture, natural beauties and mystical atmosphere. If you want to discover a paradise in the heart of the Balkans, not too crowded, where history, nature and culture are intertwined, Ohrid is exactly the place you are looking for.
History of Ohrid
This city is like a magnificent scene not only of nature but also of history. Ohrid, which has hosted many civilizations over the centuries, still bears the traces of its past. From the Roman Empire to the Byzantine, from the Ottoman Empire to Yugoslavia, many different cultures have reigned in Ohrid’s narrow streets, stone houses and majestic castles. The streets and historical buildings, where you can hear the whispers of history with every step you take, slowly draw you in mysteriously.
The first settlers near Ohrid were Illyrian tribes who took refuge on the peaceful shores of the lake. This settlement, which was a town during the reign of the Macedonian king Philip II, became an important trade center during the Roman Empire. Its location on the ancient trade route called Via Egnatia made Ohrid one of the important centers in the Balkans.
During the Byzantine period, Ohrid was known as a major center for religion as well as trade. In the 9th century, during the reign of Bulgarian Emperor Boris I, the city became the most important city of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and a religious center famous for its churches. In the 10th century, Ohrid became the center of the Bulgarian Orthodox Patriarchate.
Ohrid, which came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire in 1395, maintained its commercial and cultural importance during this period. Many mosques, inns and baths were built in the city during the Ottoman period. Among the historical structures in particular, the Zeynel Abidin Mosque is one of the most important Ottoman works in the city.
In the early 20th century, after the Balkan Wars, the city emerged from Ottoman rule, was briefly annexed to the Kingdom of Serbia, and then became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, Ohrid was incorporated into the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia after the war. After North Macedonia gained its independence in 1991, Ohrid continues to exist as one of the young country’s most important tourist destinations.
Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is one of the largest and oldest lakes in the Balkans, and shares the same name as the city. The 30-kilometer-long lake shares the border of Macedonia and Albania. This natural wonder is over 1 million years old and is known as one of the oldest freshwater lakes in the world. The waters of the lake fascinate people with their depth and clarity. Sitting on its shores and being carried away by the calmness of the lake is the perfect way to escape the chaos of life for a moment. The mist that settles over the lake with the first light of the morning creates a fairytale-like ambiance. As you stroll around the lake, you embrace the endless beauty of nature. The mountains lean over the lake, as if protecting it. This view resembles a painting. The water of the lake is crystal clear, the bottom is almost visible, but it tells you nothing about the secrets it hides in its depths.
Places to See in Ohrid
Tsar Samuel’s Fortress: Named after the Bulgarian king Tsar Samuel who once ruled the region, the fortress is one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Ohrid. It is thought to have been built in the late 10th century, and is in an ideal position to watch the city and the lake.
Church of Saint Sophia: It is believed to have been built in the 9th century, during the reign of Boris I, after the First Bulgarian Empire officially converted to Christianity.
Church of St. John: Located on a hill on the shores of Lake Ohrid, this church is fascinating with its architectural and natural beauty. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine architecture.
5 Things to Do in Ohrid
- If the weather is warm, enjoy the lake by swimming.
- Visit the fortress and historical churches.
- Walk the authentic streets and take photos.
- Try the local flavors at the restaurants and wine bars on the beach.
- Check out stand-up paddleboarding tours and off-road tours a few days before your trip.
Transport
Ohrid is 173 km (107 miles) away from Skopje by road, 69 km (43 miles) from Bitola, and 131 km (81 miles) from Tirana. There are direct buses to Ohrid from many cities.
You can also reach Ohrid by plane, but there are few and usually seasonal flights to Ohrid St. Paul The Apostle Airport. Therefore, visitors mostly use Skopje International Airport. You can take a bus or minibus from the terminal in Skopje city center to Ohrid. This journey, which will take you through the lush green mountains and the unique Balkan nature, will take about three or four hours.
