Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon - Ohrid

Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon - One visit

This beautiful Byzantine (Eastern Orthodox) church has the most peaceful outlook over Lake Ohrid. It is perched on the hill at Plaošnik, an archaeological site and holy place in Ohrid with magical views. Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so UNESCO also protects the church.

The church is a replica of the old church of St. Panteleimon, built by St. Clement of Ohrid in 863 and demolished by the Ottomans. Construction of the present church was completed in 2002.

Archaeologists have come to believe that the church is where the first Glagolitic alphabet students (used to translate the Bible into Old Church Slavonic) were taught in the First Bulgarian Empire.

Only a short 10-minute walk from the old city, up a small hill, easily accessible for everyone to visit.

There is a small fee to enter, 100 Denar (€1.60) each. Local guides are available for donation to help visitors learn about Ohrid and the attraction's history. A mosque is also on the site, and a university is being built.

It is very calming and well-maintained and a perfect place to sit, relax, and enjoy the view. You can also enter the church, and there is a small gift shop inside to purchase souvenirs.

Best add the Old Ancient Theatre and Samuel's Fortress to your walking tour, as they are all 10 minutes from each other, have the most beautiful views of Ohrid and are full of rich history.

Fun fact: Ohrid is known for once having 365 churches, one for each day of the year, and has been referred to as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans".