Memorial House of Hristo Uzunov, Ohrid

The Memorial House of Hristo Uzunov, located in the historic Varosha district of Ohrid, is a significant cultural site that commemorates the life and legacy of the revolutionary Hristo Uzunov. This house, originally known as the Uzunova house or Uzunova huča, dates back to the mid-19th century and is a prime example of revival architecture in the region.

Built most likely by Hristo Uzunov himself or his son Dimitar Uzunov, both prominent Renaissance educators, the house was a pivotal birthplace and residence for key figures of the Internal Macedonian-Odrina Revolutionary Organization. The house has witnessed the lives of Dimitar's sons-Andon and Hristo Uzunov-who were integral to the revolutionary movements in Ohrid. Following their deaths in the early 1900s, the house experienced several changes in ownership until it was nationalized in 1953 by the People's Committee in Ohrid.

Declared a monument of culture in 1968, and re-affirmed in 1996, the Uzunov house was extensively renovated in the late 1970s. The restoration preserved many of the original architectural features while ensuring the building's structural integrity. The house now features a basement known locally as "the dungeon," a ground floor with marble slabs, and a first floor with traditional wooden flooring. The facade retains the typical Ohrid style-painted white with a projecting bay window and richly profiled cornices.

Today, the house operates as a museum managed by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments and Museum - Ohrid. It houses a permanent exhibition called "The National Liberation Movement in Ohrid and Ohridsko," which includes documents and objects related to the revolutionary activities in the region. A specific room is dedicated to Hristo Uzunov, preserving his personal and revolutionary memorabilia. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and scientific events, making it a dynamic center for cultural and historical education.

The Memorial House of Hristo Uzunov not only serves as a tribute to the Uzunov family's contributions to Macedonian history but also stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Ohrid, drawing visitors from across the globe to this picturesque and historically rich corner of North Macedonia.