Ohrid

Ohrid (Охрид) is a town on the northeastern shore of Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, shared with Albania. The lake, home to species found nowhere else, and the town's churches make the region one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed for both natural and cultural value, and Ohrid is the most visited place in the country.

The old town climbs a hill above the water, crowned by Samuel's Fortress. Below it lie the ancient theatre, the Church of Saint Sophia with its Byzantine frescoes, the Church of Saint Clement and Panteleimon at Plaošnik, where Saint Clement founded one of the first Slavic schools, and countless small churches, once said to number one for every day of the year. The Church of Saint John at Kaneo, on a cliff above the lake, is the image of the country, and the icon gallery holds one of the finest collections of Byzantine icons. Show more

Along the lake, the Bay of Bones museum reconstructs a prehistoric village on stilts, and at the southern end the Monastery of Saint Naum stands by the springs that feed the lake, where boats glide through clear water among peacocks. The Galičica National Park rises between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, with views over both. Ohrid pearls, made by a traditional local method, and lake fish are local specialities, while the lake's native trout is protected, and the Ohrid Summer Festival brings music and theatre to the old town.

Ohrid has an airport, and buses link it with Skopje in about three hours. Several days suit the town and the lake. Summer is the season for swimming and festivals, while spring and autumn are quieter and ideal for walking.