Monastery of Saint Naum

Ohrid, North Macedonia

The Monastery of Saint Naum is an Eastern Orthodox monastery situated along Lake Ohrid. The Lake Ohrid area, including St Naum, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Macedonia.

The monastery was established in the Bulgarian Empire in 905 by St Naum of Ohrid himself. St Naum is also buried in the church.

Since the 16th century, a Greek school had functioned in the monastery. The area where the monastery lies belonged to Albania for a short period from 1912 until June 28, 1925, when Zog of Albania ceded it to Yugoslavia as a result of negotiations between Albania and Yugoslavia and as a gesture of goodwill.

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Address

Ohrid, North Macedonia
See all sites in Ohrid

Details

Founded: 905 AD
Category: Religious sites in North Macedonia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Cindy W (3 months ago)
Although it's a long walk to the top of the hill where the monastery is located, the scenery along the way is beautiful. There were vendors present, but only a few remained open during our visit in the winter. The monastery itself is small but rich in history. You'll also spot beautiful peacocks around the grounds. The monk at the entrance was very friendly. He didn't charge us for entry, but we wanted to make a donation. In return, he gave us a book about the monastery and a bottle of rakia! We felt truly touched by his generosity.
Elif B (3 months ago)
Totally amazing place I can say that it's my favorite place in Ohrid. At the entrance there is a parking spot so you can leave you car there without any trouble I guess it costs smt like 100 dinar. There are two churches in this location the first one was closed we came around 3 p.m. the church upstairs was opened it was written that there is an entrance fee but no one asked us to pay. The churches itself are beautiful btw we saw some peacocks ? the view is amazing as well. Spend here at least 1 hour.
Dejan Braki (7 months ago)
Monastery of Saint Naum is located at the southern shore of Ohrid lake, just before the border with Albania. You can reach it in two ways: by many organized boat trips departing from Ohrid town, or with your car in less than an hour. There's a big parking lot paying around 1,5 Euros flat rate. From there you enter the Monastery area through the gate. Right from here you encounter very strange rules and scenes: 1. NO PETS allowed - despite you're entering a big open air area, with plenty of greenery, paths,...etc. In that way my wife and I had to split, visiting the complex separately which doubled our time, as one of us had to sit in the parking lot restaurant with our dog (small French Bulldog btw, but no excuses for the officials). We certainly wouldn't take him into the Churches, but this simply makes no sense. 2. At the same time, just after the entrance to the right is a beach. No problem for music playing, children screaming, beer cans and cigarette buts all around - let me remind you ON Monastery promises (within them, not outside). 3. On the way further to the Monastery and Church there're many souvenir, trinkets and home made products (honey, brandy,...) stalls, all along with small mini markets to buy drinks, snacks, as well fast food stalls, so the entire scene looks theme park like and extremely commercialized. For these reasons I deduct two stars. Apart from that, the complex is really nice. St. Naum was a disciple of Cyril and Methodius, spreading their learning and Cyrillic writing throughout the region. He was considered greatly educated, speaking several languages and having miraculous and curing skills. Therefore, most important is his early 10c Church which is in the middle of the Monastery complex - founded by St. Naum himself, and he's buried there which is a holy and pilgrimage place. Around the middle is a very nice, secluded in a shade by the Black Drim springs restaurant. This one looks nice and suitable for such a place. From there you can take boats to drive you around, however because of the dog policy we weren't able to do that
Aleksandar Jovanovic (8 months ago)
Enchanting monastery located in a heavenly location with a stunning view. As soon as you step into the port of the monastery, you will feel true bliss. St. Naume prays to God for us.
King SiZe (8 months ago)
A wonderful place. The view from the monastery to Lake Ohrid is great. The cleanest and most orderly place on the entire lake. The road is quite correct, from the city of Ohrid it takes 45 minutes. If I have the opportunity, I will visit this Orthodox monastery again.
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