North Macedonia > The church of Ohrid

Although we went to bed early, we don’t wake up until around eight o’clock. We must have needed the extra rest. Today we stay in the Ohrid area. Originally, the plan was to spend two days at the campsite. However, we need transport to reach Ohrid, which is about fifteen kilometers away. We haven’t been able to find a serious bus connection. It seems best to pack up the tent again and drive to Ohrid. That way, we don’t have to spend another night at this campsite, especially since it was only so-so. Many of the mobile homes are dilapidated, and the showers only have cold water. During breakfast, a watery sun shines through the clouds, allowing the tent to dry. The dishes from last night are still outside. We wash everything and pack the tent. All at a leisurely pace, since we don’t have a long distance to cover today. At half past ten, we leave the campsite. At the reception, we pay eight euros for the overnight stay. By paying with a twenty-euro note, we get the change in Macedonian denars. We drive to Ohrid. In the city center near the harbor, we can park the car for a fee. The change from the campsite comes in handy here. We have no idea how long we’ll stay in the city, so we decide to pay for three hours. If we stay longer, we’ll pay extra. It is immediately clear that Ohrid is a tourist city.

North Macedonia - The most famous church in Macedonia at Lake Ohrid

Numerous terraces and restaurants line the waterfront. We walk through the narrow streets. We hear a striking amount of Dutch around us. This must be a popular destination for travelers from the Netherlands. The St. Sophia Cathedral was built in the 9th century. The church is one of the most beautiful in Macedonia. Inside, two children are practicing a musical piece on violin and bass. The music adds extra splendor to the church. We follow the waterfront. The path gradually ascends. On a rocky outcrop stands the church of Sveti Jovan Kaneo. This small church stands beautifully against the backdrop of the lake. It is no wonder that this church is the most photographed spot in Macedonia. Inside, the small church is beautifully decorated. I estimate the interior is less than ten by ten meters. Along the water, there are nice terraces. On a wooden platform above the lake, we order a drink. The sun is now shining brightly. Boatmen try to lure tourists for a ride on the lake. A little higher up lies the church of Crkva Sveti Kliment i Pantelejmon. Saint Clement built the church over the remains of a smaller church at this location. The old remnants are visible through the glass floor.

North Macedonia - The Crkva Sveti Kliment i Pantelejmon church in Ohrid

In the crypt, Saint Clement is buried. High above the city lies the fortress of Samuel. From the battlements, we have a view over the city of Ohrid. We see the route we walked and also the Holy Mary Perybleptos Monastery and the old theater. On the way back down, we pass by these sites. Finally, we settle at a terrace by the harbor for lunch. When we return to the car, we find that we have been parked for an extra hour. We give the parking attendant forty denar extra. Afterward, we leave the city in search of a campsite on the northern side of the lake. Near Struga, there is a campsite. At first, it seems closed, and we again only see dilapidated mobile homes. Fortunately, behind them is an open grassy area with excellent toilet facilities where we can set up. We unfold the tent again. On the site, there is also a group of Dutch travelers touring Europe together. We lay out the sleeping bags and mats to dry. We cannot leave them out for long, as another shower arrives. Once again, we take shelter in the car. Fortunately, this rain does not last long. The dark clouds mostly pass over the lake. After the shower, it clears up. We take a short walk along Lake Ohrid. Afterwards, we light the ready-to-use barbecue. Until late in the evening, we enjoy sitting by the tent. Occasionally, someone from the Dutch travel group comes by to chat. Very nice!