Church of Saint Sophia image

Church of Saint Sophia

Tourist attraction Cathedral Orthodox church Greek orthodox church

One of the Best Places To Visits in Ohrid


Address

Цар Самоил 88, Ohrid 6000, North Macedonia

Website

www.mpc.org.mk

Contact

+389 46 267 403

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (2.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (59) Ohrid (31) beautiful (15) visit (14) century (10) churches (9) worth (8) town (8) preserved (8) important (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Agostino B. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the most important and ancient monuments in Macedonia. Demolished and rebuilt several times, converted into a mosque and reconverted into a church, today it is difficult to understand its history and evolution. I recommend Wikipedia for passionate; instead, for those like me who simply look at beauty, mystique, there are plenty here.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven W. 2 years ago on Google • 225 reviews
    An absolute must visit place. Over a millennium of history. Entry is 100 dinars. The church was empty when I was there in August 2021 and also October 2020. Just imagine if these walls could talk. It’s also worth going there and talking in the church just to see how your voice sounds. Very unique acoustics. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Ohrid! A+
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 CK C. 7 months ago on Google • 1069 reviews
    Oldest church in Macedonia. It was built / rebuilt in the 10th - 11th century. Historical church with beautiful frescoes inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sal S. 2 years ago on Google • 406 reviews
    The beautiful “St. Sophia” church is in the heart of the old town of Ohrid, Macedonia. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and lawn, relax on the park benches to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the stunning church. It is one of the most important churches in Macedonia. The church is dedicated to the Holy Wisdom, built in 9th century, on the foundations of an early Christian basilica from the 5th century. The church houses architecture and art from the Middle Ages, you can enter for a small fee to view. Views from Villa Varosh are magical, also the best guesthouse in Ohrid.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Klaus W. 4 years ago on Google • 1115 reviews
    Spectacular example of Roman architecture and painting, one of the best spots to see in the town regardless of religion. The edifice dates back from the 11th century when Ohrid was rhe capital of the Bulgarian Empire and the seat of an autonomous Orthodox church. After the Ottoman conquests, the church was tuned into a mosque and frescoes were covered up or destroyed. It has an entrance fee of 100 denars

  • 4/5 jeremy k. 9 months ago on Google • 721 reviews
    Beautiful church. This one has some brilliant old frescos as well. Added bonus was a string ensemble
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 YG Y. 4 years ago on Google • 98 reviews
    Beautiful church, very well preserved with interesting architecture. One of the places to visit while in Ohrid. The church was built during the First Bulgarian Empire, after the official conversion to Christianity. Some sources date the building of the church during the rule of Knyaz Boris I (852 – 889). The interior of the church has been preserved with frescoes from the 11th, 12th and 13th century.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Neşe Y. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Ohrid Hagia Sophia church, which is a medieval church, was converted into a mosque by adding a minaret in the time of the Ottomans, and then turned back into a church. Since the frescos were covered with plaster, the pictures came to the present day without any deterioration, one of the places that must be visited when you go to Ohrid. (Original) Bir ortaçağ kilisesi olan Ohrid Ayasofya kilisesi Osmanlı'lar zamanında minare eklenerek camiye dönüştürülmüş daha sonra tekrar kiliseye çevrilmiş.Cami olduğu zamanı frekslerin üzeri sıva ile kapatıldığı için resimler bozulmadan bugünlere kadar gelmiştir,Ohrid'e gittiğinizde mutlaka ziyaret edilmesi gereken yerlerden birisi.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nihat K. 9 months ago on Google
    Nice church in Ohrid
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yonathan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful ancient church from 1100. The entrance (just to see inside) is 100 MKD, outside is free and 24h.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Biljana K. 1 year ago on Google
    If you come to Ohrid, you must visit this historical and cultural church. It’s very well preserved. Located in the old town where the traditional houses are. Very picturesque! There is an entry fee, around 2€. Those money goes to maintaining this historical church!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nenad N. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful historic church in a beautiful location almost in the city center. (Original) Prelepa istorijska crkva na prelepom mestu skoro u centru grada.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 joyi 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) On the trip we went, we left the main group as naughty people and sat on the stairs of the place like the theater in the garden of this place. (Original) gittiğimiz gezide yaramazlar olarak ana gruptan ayrılıp buranın bahçesindeki tiyatro gibi yerin merdivenlerine oturmuştuk
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 György B. 4 years ago on Google
    It is a very nice old church in Ohrid, worth seeing the original icons. It is one of oldest ortodox churches. It is situated near Ohrid Lake and the panorama is excellent. There is a garden around the temple. You can find near the church a good restaurant Saint Sviat, pizzeria and some apartments with direct acess to lake. attache them.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ronaldo Q. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice old church in the old part of Ohrid city. It is worth a quick visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zvonimir C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful church, something mysterious (Original) Prelepa crkva , nesto misteriozno
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stephen P. 1 year ago on Google • 330 reviews
    Impressive original ancient frescoes inside make it worth the 3 euros entry. Apart from that it's nice but nothing particularly special.

  • 5/5 Drin A. 6 months ago on Google • 66 reviews
    Thanks to Ljupco Kumbaroski, the local guide, finally had a great tour of a very beautiful and meaningful church for the medieval history, not only of the area, but of all Christianity.

  • 5/5 iared X. 2 months ago on Google • 45 reviews New
    They were very nice and gave us free entrance because we are orthodox! :DDDDD The church inside is big! :DDDDDDDDDDD

  • 5/5 Алиса �. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful frescos, definitely must visit. Entrance is 100 denars

  • 5/5 Ferhat B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Located in Ohrid, Macedonia. Just one of the many churches in Ohrid. When we called Turkish churches to churches built of red bricks, they did not even charge. (Original) Makedonyanın ohri şehrinde bulunuyor. Ohrideki birçok kiliseden sadece bir tanesi. Kırmızı tuğlalardan inşa edilmiş kiliselere türküz dediğimizde ücret dahi almadılar.

  • 5/5 Daniel P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) first I saw. beautiful. (Original) pierwszy który widziałem. piękny.

  • 5/5 Виктория �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A unique place with a beautiful aura. Macedonia, I fell in love with you! (Original) Уникальное место с прекрасной аурой. Македония, я полюбила тебя!

  • 5/5 Alek G. 4 years ago on Google
    Super

  • 4/5 Egmont S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Too little time (Original) Viel zu wenig Zeit

  • 1/5 Yaroslav B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Old big church, and is available for inspection only one main room with renovated floors and frescoes conserved boring. 100 dinars enough. (Original) Старая большая церковь, а доступен для осмотра только один основной зал с отреставрированным полом и законсервированными скучными фресками. За 100 динар маловато.

  • 4/5 Mira B. 4 years ago on Google
    Peace, spiritual....

  • 5/5 stiven b. 4 years ago on Google
    Just love it...

  • 5/5 Olegs P. 2 years ago on Google
    The second must visit place in Ohrid. The acoustic is perfect, so it’s worth to visit any concert there.

  • 5/5 Tas 1 year ago on Google
    A very important historical and cultural church. Very well preserved and in a beautiful part of the old town with cobbled streets and traditional houses. It is only a 5 minute walk uphill and certainly worth visiting. There is an entry fee which is very fair as these fees help to keep this important church maintained. Please visit when you are in Ohrid

  • 5/5 Jakub J. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely location and great paintings inside. One of the biggest churches in Ohrid.

  • 5/5 Konstantin S. 5 months ago on Google
    A must-go sight while you’re in Ohrid.

  • 5/5 Tihomir �. 8 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    Nice place, With a small nice yard.

  • 4/5 Phil F. 1 year ago on Google
    nice church setting, very acoustic, great model to scale outside in courtyard. reasonable entrance fee. tour guide extra 10 Euro (regardless of party size)

  • 5/5 Jamie C. 2 years ago on Google
    Must visit church, with very impressive frescoes. Depiction of Mary and Jesus is notably unusual in Byzantine art

  • 5/5 Korppu83 1 year ago on Google
    A must visit, very important church historically and culturally. Very well preserved and in a beautiful part of the old town with cobbled streets and traditional houses. It is only a 5 minute walk uphill and certainly worth visiting. There is an entry fee which is about 2-3 euros and these fees are used to help to keep this important church maintained. Definitely you should visit when you are in Ohrid, or you'll miss something very important.

  • 4/5 Sin Fong C. 2 years ago on Google
    Church of Saint Sophia Day 7-06 More to come

  • 5/5 Johna W. 1 year ago on Google
    such a stunning church and surrounding grounds which you can explore.

  • 5/5 Marija D. 1 year ago on Google
    Orthodox Easter at Church St Sofia, singing in 7 different languages, unforgettable experience, feeling humbled and spiritual. Visiting the Church, with its splendid architecture and great acoustic, built in 9th century is a must!

  • 5/5 ClapZz 3 years ago on Google
    I love this place very good view! Qhajdjsjcndjxj2rvkbf2kbf2kbf3kfb3kbf2b3fjg3jgn3bg3kbg3bg3g2h2h2g2kh2k2thrb2kfb2k2htog2gog2fb2ktb2o2gk2gkg2kb2fkb1t1thohr1kgqkg2kfb22kfbbt2kthe gkb2fkbfwkthwkbwtwfkbwfkbwfkbwfkbwfbkwfbfwkbwfkbwfbwfkbwfkh2rkhwrh2rkh2rkhr2kh2rkhwfkhwfkwhfhfwkhwrgkhwrkwrhkwrhkwhrhwrkwhrkhwgkhfwkrhwkrhwkgw

  • 5/5 соња �. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A beautiful church from the 14th century, where music concerts for classical music are held, and in front of the courtyard and plays within the Ohrid Summer Festival. (Original) Прекрасна црква од 14 век, во која се одржуваат музичи концерти за класиична музика, а во пред дворјето и драми во рамки на фестивалог Охридско лето.

  • 5/5 Irena Kolistrkoska N. 3 years ago on Google
    The most beautiful church in the World!!!

  • 1/5 Biljana M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Artificial work (Original) Вештачка работа

  • 5/5 Vesna C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful church (Original) Prekrasna crkva

  • 4/5 Zdeněk P. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Good (Original) Dobrý

  • 5/5 Sale 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent food and wonderful service and unique ambience, simply unforgettable experience and affordable prices for each guest, increase and make sure of their quality. (Original) Izvonredna hrana i prekrasna usluga i nepovtorliv ambient ,ednostavno nepoftorlivo dozivuvajne i pristapni ceni za sekoj gostin,povelete i uveretese vo nivniot kvalitet.💓💓💓🇲🇰🇲🇰🇲🇰

  • 5/5 Samir O. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place with stunning view to rest of the city.People living arround give you feeling that this is real place with lots of to give !

  • 5/5 Севдалина �. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In the old town, of course, on the street of the same name is located, it is a cultural monument, do not miss it. After the archeological research and drilling at the foundations of the church “St. Sofia ”, which began in the middle and ended at the end of the 20th century, it was established that the construction of the temple was based on the foundations of another temple destroyed in the first decade of the 6th century. The church is supposed to be one of the seven cathedral churches of Prince Boris. There is another suggestion that it was built in the time of Samuel. There are various claims about the dating of this impressive church. When Samuel moved the capital of Bulgaria to Ohrid, it was the seat of the cathedral of the Bulgarian Patriarchate, and later of the Ohrid Diocese. In 1466 it was turned into a mosque. You will be impressed by the frescoes in the temple, which date back to the IX, X and XI century. You will see the composition "Ascension" on the ceiling of the church, as well as the Eucharistic scene with the communion of the apostles, and above one of the front doors you will see the scene "Assumption" and many other scenes. In the yard there is a model of the church, there are benches that you can sit on. In the evening it is beautifully lit, and at the back there are benches arranged amphitheatrically. Go around it everywhere, in the back there are stairs that take you above it. from there it looks different, the whole scale can be seen against the background of the picturesque lake and the mountain Galichitsa. (Original) В стария град, разбира се, на едноименната улица се намира, паметник на културата е, не я пропускайте. След продължилите почти 50 г. археологически изследвания и сондажи при основите на храма „Св. София“, започнали в средата и приключили в края на XX век, е установено, че изграждането на храма е върху основите на разрушен в първото десетилетие на VІ век друг храм. Предполага се, че църквата е една от седемте съборни църкви на княз Борис. Има и друго предположение, че е построена по времето на Самуил. За датировката на тази внушителна църква има различни твърдения. Когато Самуил измества столицата на България в Охрид, тя е седалищен катедрален храм на Българската патриаршия, а впоследствие на Охридската епархия. През 1466 година е превърната в джамия. Ще останите впечатлени от стенописите в храма, които се отнасят към IX, X и XI век. Ще видите композицията „Възнесение Господне “ на тавана на църквата, както и Евхаристиийната сцена с причастието на апостолите, а над една от входните врати ще видите сцената "Успение Богородично“, както и много други сцени. Разгледайте ги детайлно, изключително изразителни са фигурите. В двора има и макет на църквата, има и пейки, на които може да поседнете. Вечер е красиво осветена, а отзад също има пейки, наредени амфитеатрално. Обиколете я отвсякъде, в задната и част има и стълби, които ви отвеждат над нея, оттам изглежда различно, цялата и мащабност се вижда и то на фона на живописното езеро и планината Галичица.

  • 5/5 Kawaguchi S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's an old church. (Original) 古い教会なのじゃ。

  • 5/5 Sabrina L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Evocative place well preserved in a strategic and panoramic point. Well preserved. Kind. Small entrance ticket (well worth it)! (Original) Posto suggestivo ben conservato in un punto strategico e panoramico. Ben conservata. Gentili. Piccolo biglietto d'entrata (ne vale la pena)!

  • 5/5 Marija M. 4 years ago on Google
    It is most beautiful church in old town Ohrid.

  • 5/5 Marcelo T. 4 years ago on Google
    It is most beautiful church I saw in Ohrid. It is one of the largest medieval churches on the territory. For a long time it was the cathedral church ("Great Church"). Today's church was either built or restored during the period of the Archbishop Leo who was on the throne of the Church in the period between 1035-1056. It is a must if you are in Ohrid.

  • 4/5 Pedram Nick A. 6 years ago on Google
    A small place to visit. But really beautiful. Loved walking around and taking photos

  • 5/5 Anastasija S. 5 years ago on Google
    This is one of the best and oldest churches that you can visit it's stunning

  • 3/5 Expat P. 5 years ago on Google
    It costs money to actually go in and see it, but you can get some good photos from the outside as well. Several cafes overlook it so it can be a good area to relax for a while.

  • 4/5 Steefie 4 years ago on Google
    A small but very pretty church. A very old building with a nice garden surrounding it. When we visited the church was used as a photoshoot for a just newly wed couple. The building itself is well maintained and looks stunning. Be aware if you want to enter the church that any form of photography is strictly forbidden inside the building. Also you need to wear a long pair of trousers to enter and headwear (caps, hats etc) are forbidden.

  • 4/5 Mile N. 4 years ago on Google
    Have to visit, very old Macedonian place.

  • 5/5 kosta a. 3 years ago on Google
    Great church

  • 5/5 Nevena T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent (Original) Odlicna

  • 4/5 Ishu S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice church located near the Ohrid park.

  • 5/5 Toni D. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Ordination of Father Parthenius 12.07.2020 Worthy Bishop Antaniski (Original) Hirotonija na otec Partenij 12.07.2020 Dostoen Vladika Antaniski

  • 5/5 Barrufet C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In the middle of the historic area of ​​Ohrid we find this small church very well preserved. The interior murals have lost a lot of color, but restoration work is being done. (Original) Al bell mig de la zona històrica de Ohrid trobem aquesta petita església molt ben conservada. Les pintures murals de l'interior han perdut molt de color, però s'estan fent treballs de restauració.

  • 5/5 Jadwiga Ochota O. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I was there and I dream about going back there. (Original) Byłam tam i marzę o tym żeby tam wrócić.

  • 4/5 Aleksander J. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Prehistoric logo. Albanian orthodox medieval Illyrians. The land of great Aleksander. (Original) Logo preistorici Iliri ortodossi Albanesi di medioevali La Terra di grande Aleksander.

  • 5/5 Marijana J. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful (Original) Divno

  • 5/5 David D. 4 years ago on Google
    ☀️⛱

  • 5/5 NİHAT Y. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Macedonia Ohrid is also a magnificent historical church (Original) Makedonya Ohri de muhteşem bir tarihi kilise

  • 5/5 Ö.F Y. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place in history (Original) Tarihi güzel bir mekan

  • 5/5 M S. 4 years ago on Google
    Old church in old town in Ohrid

  • 4/5 larsse h. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice place to be.

  • 5/5 Paweł S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A unique place for those willing to get to know other cultures and by the way a combination of a historic and very old building with a relatively modern Orthodox monastery. (Original) Wyjątkowe miejsce dla chętnych do poznania innych kultur a przy okazji połączenie zabytkowej i bardzo starej budowli z w miarę współczesnym klasztorem prawosławnym.

  • 5/5 Alain N. 4 years ago on Google
    Stunning


Call +389 46 267 403 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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