St. Stephen's Church, church building in Šipokno, North Macedonia
St. Stephen's Church is a small sanctuary built inside a natural cave within a rocky cliff south of Ohrid. The interior walls are decorated with 13th-century frescoes depicting religious figures including the Virgin Mary, church fathers, and Christ, with a special image of St. Stephen placed in a niche near the altar.
The church was built around the 10th century, though its exact construction date remains unknown. The visible frescoes were created in the 13th century, a flourishing period for religious art in the Ohrid region, and dormitory buildings were later added nearby to house monks or pilgrims.
The church served as a gathering place for local Christians to pray and honor their saints over the centuries. The dedication to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is reflected in his image placed in a small niche near the altar.
The site is located about 5 kilometers south of Ohrid and is reachable by a short walking path of about 10 minutes. The trail climbs gently uphill through light woods and rocky terrain, with comfortable shoes and water recommended, especially in good weather when sunlight makes the frescoes more visible.
The path from the church continues uphill to the abandoned village of Šipokno, where cracked walls and partly collapsed buildings show how nature slowly reclaims human structures over time. The village, which gives its name to the church's alternative name, remains owned by original families who visit occasionally, offering a rare glimpse into the gradual transformation of rural communities.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
