Ohrid

Ohrid is a city in western Macedonia, on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid. It has about 41 thousand inhabitants. The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments, and tourism is predominant.

The city was founded during the classical antiquity with the name Lychnidos. It was located along the Via Egnatia, which connected the Adriatic port Dyrrachion (today Durrës) with Byzantion. Archaeological excavations (e.g., the Polyconhous Basilica from 5th century) prove early adaption of christianity in the area. Bishops from Lychnidos participated in multiple ecumenical councils.

The name Ohrid first appeared 879. Around 1000 Ohrid was capital of the (West-)Bulgarian empire for a short while. Above the city still remain the ruins of the stronghold of Tsar Samoil. As an episcopal city Ohrid was an important cultural center within the Bulgarian empire during the Middle Ages, which still can be seen in the numerous churches and monastery buildings.

In the monasteries around Ohrid numerous religious manuscripts were written since the 9th century, which mark the beginning of Old Slavonic as a written language. During the rule of the Ottomans there was a Patriarch until the 18th century, responsible for the major part of Orthodox Christians at the Balkan Peninsula.

In 1980 Ohrid and Lake Ohrid were accepted as World Heritage by the UNESCO.

Buildings and museums (selection)

• Cathedral of Holy Sophie (10th century)
• Church of Holy John of Kaneo (13th century)
• Stronghold of Tsar Samoil (10th/11th century)
• Museum of Slavic writing culture (18th century)

Recurring events

• Ohrid Summer Festival, annual theater and music festival from July to August
• The Balkan Festival of Folk Songs and Dances, annual folklore music and dance festival in the beginning of July