Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region

The Ohrid region spans across two countries and contains a lake sitting in a deep tectonic basin formed over two million years ago. The waters and surrounding areas are home to plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.

People settled here from the Bronze Age onward and left their mark through thousands of years. The area became an important religious center, particularly during the Middle Ages when many churches were built.

The region has served as a center for religious art and craftsmanship for centuries. Walking through the old churches, you encounter religious paintings and carved decorations that shaped how people here expressed their faith.

The region is large and covers several locations that you can explore on foot or with local transportation. It helps to plan time for visiting multiple churches and to wear comfortable shoes, especially when wandering through Ohrid's old town.

The lake holds more than 200 species of animals found only here, including special fish types and creatures without backbones. This isolated setting has allowed life to develop in completely different ways over millions of years compared to the rest of the world.

Location: Ohrid Municipality

Location: Struga Municipality

Location: Debarca Municipality

Location: Korçë District

GPS coordinates: 41.11810,20.81330

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:05