Ohrid, imortal Ohrid- a kingdom of light and water. a
repository of ancient ruins from Macedonia's earlier kingdoms- is the
sumblime lakeside sity that for many represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience. Ohrid's major attractions are all located within
remarkably concetrated and eminetly walkable area, among and above the
narrow streets of the Old town, itself lined with restourants and cafes
perfectly suited for relaxing on cool summer nights. Ohrid's many cafe
bars and nightclubs make the night life vibrant and full with trills.
The unique Ohrid's architecture ( The house of the family Robevci); The uniqueness of Ohrid's historical architecture have been attested by UNESCO, which honored the sity with an official designation as one of the few places on the on cultural institucion's "World Heritage" list.
Panaramic view of the city;
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 B.C.E., when it was known as Lychnidos - or, “the city of light.” Only much later, in 879 C.E., was it renamed Ohrid. The name probably derives from the Macedonian phrase “Vo Hrid” – meaning roughly, “the town on the hill.”Apart from its ancient theater (which is still in use today), the ancient Lychnidos boasted a classical agora, gymnasium, civil basilicas and temples to the gods of Greek Antiquity. Under Roman rule it developed more of the typical Roman architectural traits, and became an important transit point on the Via Egnatia trade route that bisected the Balkans.
Ohrid's ancient theater;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 center, serving as an episcopal center of the
Orthodox Church and as the site of the first Slavic university run by
St. Clement and St. Naum at the end of the 9th century. At the
beginning of the 11th century, Ohrid briefly became the capital of
Macedonia’s greatest medievalruler, Samuel, whose fortress still
presides over the city today.
lFortress of tsar Samuel;During Ottoman times, Ohrid remained the seat of the autocephalous Ohrid archiepiscopacy (until 1726). During its Byzantine apogee, the town was renowned for its 365 churches and monasteries. These, and a large number of sacral edifices, have been preserved and make up a large part of Ohrid’s rich medieval past.
Today, one of the city’s museums has a collection of more than 800 Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, most of which were painted between the 11th and 14th centuries. Art historians count this collection as being one of the most important in the world, along with those of the Tretiakov Gallery in Moscow and Mt. Athos in Greece.
In the summer period the city is home of numerous cultural manifestations, like the Ohrid's Summer Festival which is wolrd famous for his rich cultural program.
Near the city is located the St Paul The Apostle airport, the second airport in the country which make's easier to travel to Ohrid. Some of the finest hotels are located near the city as well in the city itself, such as the Metropol Lake Resort, you can also find a place to crush in on of the numerous private apartments for very afordable price. If you follow this link hotelimakedonija.com.mk you can get complete view of the offer which is presented from the best hotels and private apartments in the city.
