Ohrid

Understand

thumb|350px|Ohrid and Lake Ohrid

Archaeological finds indicate that Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. The lake itself is over three million years old. Ohrid town is first mentioned in Greek documents from 353 BCE, when it was known as Lychnidos - or, “the city of light.” Only much later, in 879 CE, was it renamed Ohrid. The name probably derives from the phrase “vo hridi” – meaning roughly, “in the cliff.” It comes from the time when the town was limited in a small area on the lake side of the hill, which in fact is a huge cliff rising above the lakeshore. The town as we know it today was built mostly between the 7th and 19th centuries. During the Byzantine period, Ohrid became a significant cultural and economic centre, serving as an episcopal centre of the Orthodox Church and as the site of the first Slavic university run by Saints Clement and Naum at the end of the 9th century. At the beginning of the 11th century, Ohrid briefly became the capital of the kingdom ruled by Tsar Samuel, whose fortress still presides over the city today.

See

thumb|280px|Looking toward the town from the fortress Aside from the lake, Ohrid is most famous for its ancient churches, basilicas, and monasteries where Saints Kliment and Naum with the help of Bulgarian king Boris I (students of Cyril and Methodus) wrote their teachings and formulated the Cyrillic alphabet used in North Macedonia, as well as neighboring countries Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro and as far as Russia, and many of the countries of the former Soviet Union. Most of these churches charge an entry which for tourists is normally double that what locals pay, but is still worth it. It is a good idea to cover up when entering a church, but most locals will understand the inconveniences involved during a hot Macedonian Summer. There is also a wonderful ancient walled fortress at the top of the city.

Do

thumb|287x287px|The Bay of Bones, an outdoor archaeological museum on Lake Ohrid that features a reconstruction of a Neolithic lake settlement (pictured).

Sleep

Main forms of accommodation are private houses, apartments and villas. From €20 per night, you will find excellent private facilities, located mostly in the Old Town. The best solution is to make your reservation in advance via Internet or phone for at least the first few days, having in mind the growing popularity of Ohrid as tourist destination:

Stay safe

Ohrid Pearl is a type of imitation pearl (an artificial, man-made pearl) and as such has no real value as a gemstone. Most of the "pearls" sold around Lake Ohrid, on the street and in most shops, are simply unfinished imitation pearls (beads made of nacre, but without the pearly coating). Although selling shops have clear notes stating these are hand made ones.

Go next

Bitola (E 80 km) – One of the most European-flavoured cities in the country, Bitola is known for its colourful neo-classical architecture and the Ancient Macedon ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis nearby. Kičevo (N 60 km) Kruševo (NE 90 km via Bitola) – A museum-city nestled high up in the mountains of southwestern North Macedonia; it is one of the most historically significant destinations in the country as it was the site of a revolt against the Ottoman Empire; there is skiing in the winter, and paragliding, walking and mountain biking in the summer. Prilep (NE 110 km) – Tobacco fields, medieval monasteries, and strange rocks. Resen (E 25 km) – The home to Saraj Castle built in 1908. Struga (E 16 km) – A small town on Lake Ohrid which used to be rather quiet, yet nowadays (2016) it receives an enormous number of Dutch tourists. Debarca – A rural region just north of Ohrid. Pogradec, Albania (SW 40 km) – A small city on the other side of the lake, and worth a visit for those with extra time in Ohrid.