The Church of Small Saint Clement, Ohrid

The Church of Small Saint Clement in Ohrid stands as a historical and architectural gem, completed in 1378 as indicated by a Greek inscription above its southern entrance. This church holds the distinction of being the only church in Ohrid consecrated to the city's patron saint from its inception. Its epithet “Small” is derived from its relatively modest size compared to other religious structures in the area.

Constructed under the patronage of Stefan, a notable priest from Ohrid, the church reflects the architectural and artistic styles of the period. During the Ottoman rule, when the original Saint Clement’s Church at Saint Panteleimon (Plaoshnik) was converted into a mosque, the relics of Saint Clement were temporarily housed in this church, emphasizing its importance before they were eventually moved to the church of Holy Mary Perybleptos.

The Church of Small Saint Clement is renowned for its frescoes, which are characteristic of the Ohrid school of painting from the late medieval period. These frescoes include an especially remarkable depiction of Saint Clement, painted on the southern side of the nave. Despite the centuries, the church still preserves sections of these original 14th-century frescoes, offering a vivid glimpse into the rich religious and cultural tapestry of Ohrid during that era.