Saint Panteleimon, Byzantine monastery on Plaošnik hill, North Macedonia
Saint Panteleimon is a Byzantine monastery situated on Plaošnik hill with characteristic medieval architecture and decorated interior mosaics. The structure has been reconstructed to its original form and displays archaeological excavation areas that visitors can explore.
This monastery was founded in 893 by Saint Clement as an educational center to spread Christianity among Slavic peoples. It was built upon the foundations of an early Christian basilica and later became one of the first Slavic higher learning institutions.
This monastery served as the Ohrid Literary School where the Glagolitic alphabet was taught, spreading Christian knowledge among Slavic communities. Visitors can observe the layout that shows how monks and scholars worked together in this learning center.
The reconstructed building is open to visitors during daytime hours and can accommodate large groups interested in viewing the excavation sites. Comfortable footwear is advisable since the site sits on a hillside with uneven terrain.
Archaeological work uncovered hundreds of medieval Venetian coins, revealing how deeply Ohrid was connected to western trade networks. These findings show that the monastery played a significant role in a busy commercial system linking the region to distant markets.
Location: Ohrid
Inception: August 10, 2002
Architects: Clement of Ohrid
Architectural style: Byzantine architecture
Capacity: 3000
GPS coordinates: 41.11222,20.79083
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
North Macedonia contains archaeological sites, religious buildings, and natural formations. The country features Bronze Age observatories, Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Ottoman buildings, and Orthodox monasteries. Natural sites include mountain lakes, waterfalls, caves, and national parks with native species.
Church of St. John at Kaneo
222 m
Church of St. Sophia
258 m
Samuil's Fortress
310 m
Plaošnik
67 m
Ancient Theatre of Ohrid
363 m
Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta
431 m
Sinan Čelebi Türbe
66 m
Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments and National Museum
331 m
Icon Gallery (Ohrid)
411 m
Uzunov House
417 m
St. Demetrius Mirotočiv Church
430 m
St. Nicholas Gerakomija Church
336 m
Parlichev House
166 m
Urania House
438 m
Worker's School, Ohrid
331 m
Ss. Cosmas and Damian Church (Golemi Vrači, Ohrid)
237 m
St. Great Martyr Barbara Church
280 m
Plaošnik Basilica
112 m
Church of the Theotokos Pandonos
387 m
Nativity of the Theotokos and St. Petka Church
225 m
House of Kole Kotuše
364 m
Dimzov House
316 m
Saints Forty Martyrs of Sebaste Church (Ohrid)
331 m
Kanevčev House
289 m
Bandev House
254 m
Boyadzhiev House
311 m
Karaǵulevci
353 m
Basilica of Manchevtsi
231 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes