Add a review about the Church of the Blessed Virgin in Ohrid

The Church of the Blessed Virgin in Ohrid is one of the most ancient buildings of the city. This is a unique attraction of the old center, famous among tourists, pilgrims and numerous parishioners. The church is a monument of Byzantine architecture and painting, with a unique artistic value.

History

A well-known church was built in the 14th century AD during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. However, construction work to improve the building took several more centuries. A spacious porch and chapel were added to the church. Most of the icons and portraits of historical figures appeared in the church with the light hand of the then abbot Grigori, who was seriously interested in icon painting.

After the demolition of the Church of St. Clement, the center of the Christian life of Ohrid finally shifted towards the Church of the Blessed Virgin. Here the archbishop's residence was founded

Architecture

The Church of the Holy Virgin was built in the traditional Byzantine style of the 13th century. The walls of the building are built of brick, limestone and stone, and therefore have a rather original texture. It is also known that for decorative facing of external walls used additional materials not entirely for construction purposes, for example, fish bones.

The temple's vaults are crowned with pyramidal domes with crosses. At the entrance to the church a portico is attached - a semblance of a strong overhang. From the north and south sides of the church there are chapels. One of them is dedicated to Gregory the Theologian, the second to St. Nicholas. In general, the church blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Yes, and the appearance of the building is quite attractive, especially after the recent reconstruction.

Artistic value

The fresco decorations and precious icons of the Middle Ages bear exceptional artistic value. It is known that the paintings of the temple were made by outstanding artists of the 13th and 14th centuries - Michael Astrappa and Evtikhia. Moreover, not only the central naves of the church, but also the walls of the porch are decorated with paintings. On the images, traditional subjects are scenes from the life of saints, the faces of prominent religious figures and important historical figures. The most valuable icon of the church is the icon of the Mother of God - an exact copy of the Constantinople shrine

Pilgrimage

The most valuable icon of the church is the icon of the Mother of God - an exact copy of the Constantinople shrine

Visiting the famous church is also possible within the pilgrimage trip. It is known that bus tours of this kind are organized in Moscow. Approximate cost of travel is about 35 thousand RUB. In general, the church of the Most Holy Theotokos is quite popular among pilgrims. People walk miles to honor the holy place and recharge themselves with new strength for new achievements

Practical information

The Church of the Holy Mother of God stands in the historic center of Ohrid on Kliment St. University a little south of the Villa Forum hotel. Next to the temple is another more modest church of St. Constantine and Helen and the iconic gallery. Closer to the coast of the lake there are other important sights of Ohrid: the ancient amphitheater, Samuilova tverdina, Plaosnik with the monastery of St. Panteleimon and other memorable places.


All prices are indicated for 2014