Add a review about the Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid

One of the most important monuments of Macedonia - the Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid - appeared in the 11th century AD. Originally it was the Cathedral of the Bulgarian Archbishops, and during the reign of the Ottoman Empire - a mosque. Inside the church there are unique frescoes of 11-13 centuries. The Church of St. Sophia is depicted on a Macedonian banknote with a denomination of 1000 dinars

History

It is believed that the Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid was built during the reign of the Bulgarians, after Macedonia officially converted to Christianity. It is likely that the site of the modern church was an even earlier cathedral. However, the founder of the modern church is Archbishop Leo, who headed the church throne in the 11th century

The Church of St. Sophia is depicted on a Macedonian banknote with a denomination of 1000 dinars.

After the occupation of the territory by the Ottoman Empire, the Orthodox church became a Moslem mosque. All attributes of Christianity were eliminated, old frescoes were smeared with lime, and the belfries were turned into minarets.

Reconstruction works to bring the church to its original appearance began only after the Second World War. Much work has been done to restore the frescoes, and in the end the masterpieces of medieval church art have returned to their places. In addition, the original interiors were restored

Frescoes

The frescoes of the Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid are considered almost the most valuable examples of medieval Macedonian painting. The walls and ceilings of the temple are painted with colored images of prominent patriarchs and Roman popes. Inside the church, the largest Byzantine art gallery in Macedonia was created. The frescoes of three medieval periods, written alternately between the 11th and 14th centuries, were preserved in it.

Pilgrimage

The Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid is a very venerated place in the Christian world. The temple carries not only artistic and historical value, but is also famous as a truly sacred place. This is a series of parishioners and pilgrims from all over the world. From Moscow, for example, special bus pilgrim tours are organized, directly to Ohrid. The cost of such a tour varies between 35 thousand RUB. Visiting the temple, of course, is not paid for.

Sofia Church in Ohrid is strongly recommended for a visit. It is absolutely unique temple, which has no analogues in the world. This is evidenced by both the atypical architectural appearance and the richest collection of the Bulgarian-Byzantine art heritage

Photographing the church's interiors is strictly prohibited
Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid

Practical information

The Church of St. Sophia is located on the south coast Ohrid in the street Car of Samoil. From the city center to the temple can be reached along the Ilinden Street. Not far from the church there is another interesting Orthodox sight - the church of St. Nicholas. In the vicinity there are many hotels and a wonderful pizzeria "Via Sacra".
There are excellent panoramic views of the old church from the open site of the establishment


All prices are indicated for 2014