Ohrid Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Ohrid

Ohrid was called "Lychnidos", meaning "City of Light." By the late 9th century, the town was referred to as "Ohrid." This is Slavic, meaning "on a hill." With its 365 churches, it was known as "Jerusalem of the Balkans."

Legend says King Cadmus, banished from Thebes, founded the town on a hill overlooking the lucid waters of Lake Ohrid. That may be, but it was warlike Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, who built a fortress on the hill of Ohrid in the 4th century BC. Philip's citadel was rebuilt by King Samoil of Bulgaria in the late 10th century.

The famous Ohrid Literary School was founded in the 9th century by Saint Clement. He was a patron of the Slavic Language and the patron Saint of Ohrid, where he spent his last days. The Ottoman period began in 1395 with the conquest of the city by Bayezid I. Ottoman influence ended in 1912, when the Serbian army took the city in the Balkan Wars.

Ohrid sits sublimely on the edge of the clear blue waters of serene Lake Ohrid. The lake is at least three million years old. The Old Town of Ohrid ascends steep slopes from the lake shore to the heights of Medieval King Samoil's Fortress and its neighbor, Byzantine Saint John of Kaneo Church.

The Old Town is a well preserved cluster of medieval and early modern architecture. The Church of Saint Sophia has Byzantine frescoes. Cafes and restaurants are everywhere to refresh weary hikers.

Plaosnik archeological complex features the multi-domed Church of Saint Panteleimon. The 2,000-year old Greek theatre hosts performances of ballet and operas. Ohrid's tranquil beaches are easily accessible. Shop for unmatchable pearls grown in Ohrid.

In the Main Square above the Old Bazaar, the statue of Saint Clement holds a model of the town. With his right hand he beckons to visitors to come and see the treasures of Ohrid. Accept the invitation and you will be glad you did.