- Address: Tsar Samoyil, Ohrid 6000, Macedonia
- Date of creation: 11th c.
Many places of interest have been preserved in the Macedonian city of Ohrid , including the Orthodox churches that were built in the Middle Ages. One of them is the Church of St. Sophia, which will be discussed in our article.
From the history of the church
The Church of Hagia Sophia in Ohrid was built in the 11th century, during the rule of the Bulgarians. There is an opinion that before the church appeared, another temple was already in its place. But this information is not confirmed, and the founder of the Church of St. Sophia is considered Archbishop Leo.
It was not possible to avoid the fate of many Orthodox churches in Macedonia and the Balkans. During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, she was converted from a cathedral into a mosque. All the attributes of Christianity tried to destroy, the bell towers acquired the features of minarets, the frescoes were plastered.
To lead the church in its original form began only after the Second World War. A huge amount of funds and forces was spent on the restoration of the frescoes. In addition, the original interior was recreated.
And, I must say, it's not for nothing that the specialists have long worked on frescoes. Now they are considered one of the most valuable examples of Macedonian painting of the Middle Ages. Entering the church, you will most likely be amazed by the abundance of frescoes. The walls and ceilings of the temple are painted with images of patriarchs. To get acquainted more closely with the Macedonian art can and in the gallery located inside the church. In it you will find many frescoes of the 11th-14th centuries. But you will not be able to capture them, it is strictly forbidden to photograph in the church.
The Church of St. Sophia in Ohrid is not only a historical landmark and an art gallery, it is also a holy place. Annually thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come here. In many countries and cities, for example, in Moscow, even organize special pilgrimage tours.
Interesting fact
The Church of Hagia Sophia in Ohrid is depicted on one of the Macedonian banknotes.
How to get there?
The church is in the south of Ohrid on Tsar Samoyla Street. You can get to it on the street Ilindenskaya, which comes from the center. Not far away are other interesting places of Macedonia - Plaosnik and the Church of St. John the Theologian .
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