Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon - Ohrid

Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon - One visit

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

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

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

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

A small fee to enter, 100 Denar (€1.60) each, local guides are available for a donation to soak up the knowledge of Ohrid and the history of the attraction. There is also a mosque on the site and a university 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, and all have the most wonderful views of Ohrid and 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 a "Jerusalem of the Balkans".