Travelling to Macedonia with Sunshine and Striker provided the luxury of time to seek out and explore the places and spaces often left uncovered. For example, when exploring Ohrid we heard whispers of old cave churches carved into the cliffs around Lake Ohrid and adventured out to find them ourselves.
This adventure took us right around to the Macedonian/Albanian border; up steep pathways into the cliffs; and in some instances, outside our comfort zone. What we did find was a number of breathtaking spaces that are rarely visited by tourists. The Cave Churches of Lake Ohrid were incredible to see and explore.
Exploring the Cave Churches Around Lake Ohrid
Table of Contents
The History of the Cave Churches of Lake Ohrid
The cave churches around Lake Ohrid hold a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages, with a few even tracing their origins to the 9th century. These churches were constructed by locals who sought out hidden caves nestled within rocky formations.
The churches were built during a time of religious persecution when Christians were forced to worship in secret. The caves provided a safe haven for Christians, and the churches were decorated with frescoes that told the stories of the Bible.
Often perched on mountains and surrounded by nature, these caves posed challenging terrain for construction, yet the determined inhabitants worked tirelessly to establish these sacred places. As the region flourished artistically, local craftsmen adorned the interiors of these churches with intricate frescoes, adding to their spiritual significance.
The churches were abandoned in the 17th century, but they were rediscovered in the 19th century. They have since been restored and are now a popular tourist destination.
To date, more than 50 cave churches have been discovered throughout the country, primarily concentrated around the natural lakes of Prespa and Ohrid in the south. However, others have been found near Lake Tikvesh, Veles, and Kavadarci. Despite the existing discoveries, numerous cave churches remain unexplored, hidden away in remote and inaccessible locations.
The Cave Churches of Lake Ohrid
I researched and discovered a small handful of cave churches around Lake Ohrid that we could explore. Some were relatively easy to get to, whilst others took some organisation.
Sveta Ekaterina Cave Church
Sveta Ekaterina Cave Church is a captivating religious sanctuary situated near the village of Vevčani in the region of Lake Ohrid.
Dedicated to Saint Katherine of Alexandria, a prominent Christian martyr, the church is accessed through a narrow entrance that leads into a cavernous interior.
The walls of the church are adorned with ancient frescoes, showcasing intricate artwork that dates back to the medieval period. These beautifully preserved frescoes depict religious scenes, saints, and biblical narratives, offering a glimpse into the artistic traditions and spiritual devotion of the time.
Saint Archangel Michael Cave Church
Located near the village of Radozda, the Saint Archangel Michael Cave Church was built into a natural cave in the 13th century.
We travelled by boat from Ohrid to get to this cave church, mooring our boat at the restaurant just under the cave on the shore. It was at the restaurant that we were provided with a key to the church which is a 30-minute walk up the hill.
The interior of the Cave Church of Archangel Michael is adorned with remarkable frescoes from the 14th century, said to be created by students from the Ohrid Fine Art School, showcasing the artistic talents of the period. These vibrant paintings, which have survived for centuries, offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural traditions of the time.
The view from the Archangel Michael Cave Church is breathtaking. Head out early morning so you don’t overheat climbing up to the cave.
Sveti Atanasij Cave Church
The Saint Atanasius Cave Church, known as Sveti Atanasij, is located near the monastery of Kalishta, close to Struga. Constructed in the 14th century, the church was dedicated to Archbishop Anastasij of Alexandria.
Accessible only by the age-old rock stairs that have stood for centuries, the church offers a sense of historical significance and reverence. Despite its small size, the interior of the church is adorned with an array of frescoes from the 14th century, showcasing the artistic brilliance of the time. Notably, a section of the frescoes was added in the 19th century.
Incredibly, the Saint Atanasius Cave Church houses the largest collection of medieval paintings in the Struga region, making it a precious cultural and artistic gem for visitors to discover and appreciate.
Sveti Stefan Cave Church
The Sveti Stefan Cave Church is situated near the village of Shipokno on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Today it is part of the Sveti Stefan Monastery. The church is housed within a cave that was initially blocked by a rock during its construction.
Sveti Stefan Cave Church is quite compact and is a semicircular structure built beneath overhanging rocks.
While the exact age of the building predates the 15th century, the church’s frescoes were painted for the first time during that period. Whilst the passage of time has diminished the quality of the frescos, it is still an interesting site to visit.
St. Erasmus Cave Church
The St. Erasmus Cave Church, also known as Sveti Erasmo, is a remarkable religious site located in the vicinity of Lake Ohrid. Situated near the village of Trpejca, this cave church holds great historical and spiritual significance. The church is dedicated to Saint Erasmus, a Christian martyr from the 4th century.
Accessible through a set of ancient stone stairs, the church’s entrance leads to a cavernous interior adorned with stunning frescoes. These intricate artworks date back to the medieval period and depict religious scenes and figures.
Map of the Lake Ohrid Cave Churches
The hidden cave churches of Lake Ohrid are a unique and beautiful example of Byzantine art and architecture. They are a must-see for anyone visiting Lake Ohrid.
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Other Places to Explore in Macedonia
Bay of Bones near Ohrid
Matka Canyon
Heraclea Lyncestis – More Ancient Ruins!
Marko’s Towers
Exploring the archeological site of Stobi
Mother Teresa’s Memorial House
Things to do in Skopje with Kids
Ancient Theatre of Ohrid