North Macedonia is a nation of vast and colorful culture and history, with deeply creative and intricate traditions spanning the course of centuries. North Macedonia is a nation filled with history, each city standing as a monument of the nation’s trials and tribulations throughout the ages. Each town has something unique to add, from culture to natural resources; there is something for everyone. One particular location that I could not recommend enough to potential tourists is Ohrid- a beautiful town on the shore of North Macedonia’s largest lake, Lake Ohrid. The town is host to a myriad of cultural and natural treasures, a cesspool of things that make North Macedonia the nation it is, making it one of the most beautiful tourist locations in the Balkan Peninsula.

Lake Ohrid is arguably Ohrid’s most notable attraction. Clear blue waters and elegant swans often find themselves plastered on brochures and postcards, painting a vivid image of the terrain and its natural beauty. Host to a myriad of endemic species of fish, the turquoise waters are a window to the soul of the Macedonian people – the water keeping eons worth of secrets within its depths. Legends of mystical beings calling the Lake home have spread amongst the people, weaving their presence into the fabric of Macedonian folklore, enriching the identity of the people.

From beautiful fairies dancing elegantly at the shore to whimsical golden fish capable of fulfilling wishes swimming in the depths of the lake, the stories help maintain the whimsy of the unknown in the nation’s very spirit. Another such secret is its pearls: small, elegant pieces of pure beauty, hidden and waiting to be found and cherished. The pearls found in the lake are extremely precious materials- materials ranking and competing among other mineral giants in the jewelry industry. The lake is a wonderful place to experience for any tourist; from the picturesque passage to the whimsical stories surrounding the lake, it is truly an unforgettable experience.  

Ohrid is a town of history and culture, surviving centuries of suffering under oppressive occupations. From the Ottomans all the way up to the nation’s liberation in 1991, the town has lived through every stage of North Macedonia’s evolution.

There are approximately three hundred and sixty-five churches in the town, one for every day of the year. The churches are standing monuments from the times of the Ottoman Empire, symbols of quiet resistance. During the five-hundred-year occupations, Orthodox Christianity was prohibited in the region, Islam being imposed as the dominant religion.

Anyone daring to practice Christianity was seen as lesser, often forced to pay significantly higher taxes, and have the churches either completely demolished or twice smaller than the smallest mosque. In subtle retaliation, the Christian population decided to sidestep the issue, starting to build elaborate churches deep underground, bending but never breaking the rules imposed upon the people.

A particular church that stands out among the rest is St Panteleimon – a church with extreme cultural and religious significance to the region. Being the place of origin for the first Slavic alphabet, the church used to possess the status of a university, marking itself as one of the first universities of European soil. The monastery was host to many enlightened figures, all missionaries set on aiding in the spread of literacy among the people of the region, spreading the teachings and ideals of Christianity among the people. 

Overall, Ohrid is one of the most beautiful places in the Balkan Peninsula. Holding the status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is highly revered for its cultural significance around the world.

From its lush scenery and crystal clear waters to its churches and jewelry-making establishments, Ohrid is a town full of intricate beauty. Possessing an air of wisdom, the town’s cobblestoned roads and sturdy walls seem to know all the secrets history has to offer, slyly coaxing each and every visitor to try to uncover them, sending them on an adventure through time.

Ohrid is one of my favorite places on Earth, holding a special place in my heart. During my childhood, I would spend entire summers running on the beaches and feeding swans, my grandmother’s gentle presence encouraging me to explore, inspiring my ever-present sense of adventure.

Due to the wonderful memories, I have accumulated throughout my life of that soulful place, I highly encourage any curious travelers to consider Ohrid as a potential next destination. The town’s spirit has the power to leave a lasting impression on one’s very soul, opening their mind to an experience like no other.

Source: UWC