St. Sophia Church in Ohrid is one of the most important monuments of medieval Byzantine architecture in Macedonia. It was originally constructed in the 11th century, likely during the reign of Tsar Samuil or shortly after.
The church served as the cathedral of the Archbishopric of Ohrid, playing a central role in the region’s religious and cultural life. Its architectural design includes a three-aisled basilica with a dome, typical of Byzantine churches. Inside, the church boasts some of the finest frescoes in the Balkans, created between the 11th and 14th centuries.
During the Ottoman period, the church was converted into a mosque, and many of the Christian frescoes were covered with plaster. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, St. Sophia was restored to its original purpose as a Christian place of worship. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Ohrid’s rich history and artistic heritage. The church is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the entire Ohrid region. St. Sophia continues to attract visitors and scholars who admire its historical significance and its exceptional art.
Fun Facts:
Some of the frescoes inside St. Sophia date from before the Great Schism of 1054 (split of the church, Catholic and Orthodox), representing a time when Christianity was still united across East and West.
The massive narthex of the church once housed a bell tower, although it was removed during the Ottoman conversion to a mosque.
Some of the church’s frescoes were so well-preserved under Ottoman plaster that they remain vibrant even today!
The architectural style of St. Sophia influenced later church constructions throughout the Balkans.
Restoration work in the 20th century revealed hidden frescoes that had been concealed for centuries.
St. Sophia’s acoustics are so remarkable that it often hosts concerts of medieval and classical music.
Local legend says that a secret tunnel connected the church to Tsar Samuil’s fortress on the hill.
St. Sophia’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list helped attract global attention to Ohrid’s medieval treasures.
St. Sophia
