Ohrid history

Ancient Lychnidos: The City's Origins

The history of Ohrid is rooted in deep antiquity, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Archaeological findings indicate that life thrived here as early as the Neolithic era, over 6,000 years ago.

In ancient times, the city was known as Lychnidos, which translates to the "City of Light." The first written records of it date back to the 4th century BC, when the region was inhabited by the ancient Enchele tribes. Later, in 353 BC, the city fell under the sphere of influence of Philip II of Macedon, and in the 2nd century BC, it became a vital Roman outpost.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small settlement into a prosperous ancient and later medieval centre was driven by a unique combination of factors:

• Strategic Geography: The city emerged on a high hill above the lake, providing natural protection and an excellent view of the surroundings. The modern name "Ohrid" is of Slavic origin and means "on the ridge" or "on the hill" (vo rid).
• The Via Egnatia: During the Roman era, the famous Via Egnatia passed through Lychnidos—a major trade artery connecting the Adriatic coast with Constantinople. This secured the city's status as a crucial transit hub between East and West.
• Natural Resources: Lake Ohrid, rich in fish and unique flora, has always served as a reliable source of sustenance and economic stability for the local inhabitants.

Early Culture and Economy

Already in antiquity, Lychnidos was a developed cultural centre. A striking testament to this is the beautifully preserved Ancient Theatre from the Hellenistic period. Theatrical performances, and later gladiatorial combats, were held here, indicating a high level of social life and the wealth of the citizens.

By the early Middle Ages, the city had become a significant religious centre. An episcopal seat was established here as early as the 4th century, laying the foundation for Ohrid's future fame as the spiritual heart of the region and the cradle of Slavic literacy.

Major Milestones in Ohrid's History

• 353 BC — Philip II of Macedon captures the ancient city of Lychnidos, incorporating it into his expanding kingdom.
• 148 BC — The Romans complete the construction of the Via Egnatia, turning the city into a key trade hub on the route from Rome to Constantinople.
• 518 AD — A devastating earthquake practically wipes ancient Lychnidos off the face of the earth, after which the gradual rebuilding of the city begins.
• 879 AD — The modern Slavic name of the city, Ohrid, is officially mentioned for the first time in the protocols of a church council.
• 886 AD — Disciples of Cyril and Methodius, Saints Clement and Naum, arrive in the city and found the Ohrid Literary School, which became the cradle of Slavic literacy.
• 992–1018 — Ohrid becomes the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire under the leadership of Tsar Samuel, who erects a famous fortress here.
• 1018 — The Byzantine Empire restores control over the city but maintains the autocephaly of the Ohrid Archbishopric.
• 1395 — The city is conquered by the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of a long period of Turkish rule and cultural transformations.
• 1767 — The Ohrid Archbishopric is forcibly abolished by a decree of the Sultan under the influence of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
• 1912 — During the First Balkan War, centuries of Ottoman rule come to an end, and Serbian troops enter the city.
• 1958 — The restoration of the Ohrid Archbishopric is proclaimed in the Church of Saint Sophia, a significant step for the national church.
• 1979–1980 — Lake Ohrid and the city itself are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as unique natural and cultural sites.

Development Milestones: From Fortress to Resort

The appearance of modern Ohrid is the result of layers from several great eras. Each brought its own changes to the economy, architecture, and layout of the city, transforming it from an ancient polis into a modern tourist hub.

• The Rise of the "Slavic Jerusalem" (9th–10th Centuries)
  The founding of the literary school by Clement of Ohrid was a turning point. The city turned into the largest educational and religious centre of the Balkans. This led to massive church construction, defining the architectural dominance of the city for a millennium to come.
• Capital Fortification (10th–11th Centuries)
  During the reign of Tsar Samuel, Ohrid became a political capital. The main urban legacy of this era was the monumental fortress and defensive walls. The citadel defined the structure of the Upper Town, where the nobility and administration historically resided.
• Formation of the Trading Quarter (Ottoman Period)
  From the 14th century, the centre of city life shifted from the hills to the lake shore. The Bazaar (Čaršija) was built—a trading quarter with workshops, hammams, and mosques. This clearly divided the city into a residential zone on the slopes and a business centre in the lowlands, characteristic of Eastern cities.
• Flourishing of Civil Architecture (19th Century)
  The economic rise of local trade guilds and artisans allowed citizens to build wealthy mansions. Due to the scarcity of land on the steep slopes, the unique "Ohrid style" of houses with expanding upper floors was formed, which serves as the city's calling card today.
• Modernization and Tourism Development (Mid-20th Century)
  Inclusion in Yugoslavia brought electrification and modern infrastructure. The construction of the promenade, wide roads, and an airport brought Ohrid out of isolation, definitively reorienting the city's economy from fishing and crafts to international tourism.
• Global Conservation (Since 1980)
  Receiving UNESCO World Heritage status radically changed the approach to urban planning. The priority shifted from new construction to the restoration and preservation of the historical fund, cementing Ohrid's status as an open-air museum city.

Architectural Chronicle: A Mosaic City

The urban structure of Ohrid is unique in that it did not replace the old with the new, but organically integrated one era into another. The city developed like an amphitheatre descending from the hill to the lake, where each level corresponds to a specific historical period.

Byzantine Architecture (9th–14th Centuries)

Medieval Ohrid is a realm of sacred architecture. Local churches are built in the classical Byzantine style, characterized by patterned masonry alternating stone and brick, domed structures, and rich fresco paintings in the interiors.

Striking examples of this period include:

• Church of Saint Sophia: A monumental basilica preserving rare 11th-century frescoes.
• Church of Saint John at Kaneo: A symbol of the city standing on a cliff, combining Byzantine and Armenian architectural elements.
• Church of the Holy Mother of God Peribleptos: A masterpiece of the "Palaeologan Renaissance" with exquisite brick ornamentation on the façade.

Ottoman Influence and Oriental Style (15th–19th Centuries)

With the arrival of the Ottomans, the urban planning focus shifted to the lowlands. Here, a dense commercial development formed—the Bazaar. The architecture of this period introduced minarets, hammams, and covered markets to the city's appearance. Buildings were distinguished by functionality, using stone for foundations and light wooden structures for the upper tiers.

Ohrid Vernacular Style (19th Century)

The most recognizable element of the city became the residential architecture of the National Revival era. Due to the steepness of the slopes and lack of space, as well as taxation specifics (tax was paid based on the foundation area), local masters invented a unique design.

Houses were built on the principle of an inverted pyramid: each subsequent floor slightly overhung the previous one, supported by wooden beams. Façades were whitewashed with lime, and windows were framed with dark wood. The benchmark example of this style is the Robev Family House, now converted into a museum.

Correlation of Styles and Eras

• Hellenistic and Roman Period: Ancient Theatre (integration of architecture into the landscape).
• Byzantine Style: Medieval Orthodox temples (cross-in-square system, decorative masonry).
• Ottoman Architecture: Mosques (Zeynel Abidin Pasha), hammams, tekes (cult structures of dervishes).
• Balkan Vernacular (Folk Architecture): 19th-century residential houses with cantilevered projections (bay windows).
• Modernism (Yugoslav Period): Public buildings and hotels on the coast (concrete, glass, geometric forms).

Distinguished Personalities of Ohrid

The history of Ohrid is inextricably linked with the names of great educators, rulers, and creators. These people not only shaped the appearance of the city but also had a huge influence on the culture of the entire Balkan Peninsula.

Spiritual Fathers and Medieval Rulers

• Saint Clement of Ohrid (c. 840–916)
  Educator, first Slavic bishop.
  The most significant figure in the city's history. A disciple of Cyril and Methodius, he founded the Ohrid Literary School, where he taught literacy to thousands of students. Thanks to him, Ohrid became the "cradle of Slavic literacy." He is considered the heavenly patron of the city.
• Saint Naum of Ohrid (c. 830–910)
  Missionary, miracle worker, and one of the founders of Slavic literature.
  The closest associate of Clement. He founded the famous monastery on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid, which became an important spiritual centre. He is revered by believers as a healer.
• Tsar Samuel (died 1014)
  Monarch and military commander.
  The ruler who chose Ohrid as the capital of his vast kingdom. It was by his order that the city citadel was rebuilt and fortified. The walls of Samuel's Fortress remain the main symbol of the city skyline to this day.

Figures of Culture and the Renaissance

• Grigor Prlichev (1830–1893)
  Poet, translator, and writer.
  A native of Ohrid, nicknamed the "Second Homer" after winning a literary competition in Athens with the poem "The Serdar." He was an active participant in the movement for cultural and national revival in the 19th century.
• The Robev Family (19th Century)
  Dynasty of merchants and patrons.
  The wealthiest family in the city, playing a key role in the economic development of the region. They built the famous Robev House—a masterpiece of Balkan architecture, which today serves as the Historical Museum of Ohrid.
• Kosta Abrashevich (1879–1898)
  Poet.
  Born in Ohrid into a merchant family. He became one of the first proletarian poets of the region. Although he passed away very young, his poems, translated into many languages, left a mark on literature.