Lower Gate, Ohrid

The Lower Gate of Ohrid is a historic landmark near Tsar Samoil Street and closer to the lake. The Lower Gate is an integral piece of Ohrid's medieval fortifications, dating back to the 4th century. Historically, Ohrid was encircled by city walls with limited access points including the Upper Gate, Lower Gate, Front Gate, and Water Gate. The walls remained until the Ottoman invasion in 1395, after which the town expanded beyond these boundaries.

The Lower Gate today is not fully intact; only one of its original towers survives. Over the years, its presence has become less prominent, to the extent that it can easily be overlooked, as indicated by the anecdote of someone who passed by for years without noticing it. In contrast to the Upper Gate, which is well-maintained with heavy doors and still functions as an entrance to the town, the Lower Gate has blended more seamlessly into the urban landscape.

An interesting feature at the Lower Gate is a grate at its foot, which displays the original pavement made of large stones. This pavement marks the historical entrance into Ohrid but is not immediately noticeable, often being slippery after rain and covered by the grate, requiring attentive observation to appreciate its historical significance.

In essence, the Lower Gate offers a subtle glimpse into the ancient past of Ohrid, standing as a silent testament to the city’s historical depth and the transformations it has undergone over the centuries.