The Church of St. Nicholas Bolnicki, Ohrid
The Church of Saint Nicholas Bolnicki in Ohrid is a historical and architectural gem from the early 14th century. Built in 1313, it is located near the Lower Gate of Ohrid, close to Ohrid Port on Car Samuil Street, an area historically significant for its proximity to a hospital, hence the name "Bolnicki" derived from the Macedonian word for hospital "bolnica".
Architecturally, the church showcases a one-naval design, unique in the region of Ohrid for its simplicity and distinctiveness. It features semi-circular vaulting and a bell tower with a porch on the western side, influenced by the architectural styles of the Adriatic coast, marking it as unique within Macedonia.
The interior of the church is equally compelling, decorated with frescoes that date back to between 1336 and 1346. These artworks feature prominent historical figures such as Archbishop Nikola, Serbian King Dusan, his Queen Elena, and their sons Uros, Sava, and Simeon. Additionally, life-size representations of Saint Clement, Saint Nikola, and Saint Pantelejmon, along with the holy warriors Theodor Tiron and Stralitat, enrich the church鈥檚 cultural and religious significance. The church also houses valuable icons, including the litian icon dedicated to Saint Naum.
The Church of Saint Nicholas Bolnicki is not just a place of worship but a repository of history, bearing witness to the religious, cultural, and social transformations in Ohrid over the centuries. Its unique construction, using broken stones without bricks, and its artistic decoration with colorful paintings and icons make it a compelling destination for visitors and scholars alike. The surrounding courtyard, dotted with remnants from the Samuil Fortress that historically tumbled toward Lake Ohrid, adds to its historic charm and allure, making the church a must-visit during any tour of Ohrid鈥檚 rich ecclesiastical landscape.
Architecturally, the church showcases a one-naval design, unique in the region of Ohrid for its simplicity and distinctiveness. It features semi-circular vaulting and a bell tower with a porch on the western side, influenced by the architectural styles of the Adriatic coast, marking it as unique within Macedonia.
The interior of the church is equally compelling, decorated with frescoes that date back to between 1336 and 1346. These artworks feature prominent historical figures such as Archbishop Nikola, Serbian King Dusan, his Queen Elena, and their sons Uros, Sava, and Simeon. Additionally, life-size representations of Saint Clement, Saint Nikola, and Saint Pantelejmon, along with the holy warriors Theodor Tiron and Stralitat, enrich the church鈥檚 cultural and religious significance. The church also houses valuable icons, including the litian icon dedicated to Saint Naum.
The Church of Saint Nicholas Bolnicki is not just a place of worship but a repository of history, bearing witness to the religious, cultural, and social transformations in Ohrid over the centuries. Its unique construction, using broken stones without bricks, and its artistic decoration with colorful paintings and icons make it a compelling destination for visitors and scholars alike. The surrounding courtyard, dotted with remnants from the Samuil Fortress that historically tumbled toward Lake Ohrid, adds to its historic charm and allure, making the church a must-visit during any tour of Ohrid鈥檚 rich ecclesiastical landscape.
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The Church of St. Nicholas Bolnicki on Map
Sight Name: The Church of St. Nicholas Bolnicki
Sight Location: Ohrid, Macedonia (See walking tours in Ohrid)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ohrid, Macedonia (See walking tours in Ohrid)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ohrid, Macedonia
Create Your Own Walk in Ohrid
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ohrid is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ohrid Introduction Walking Tour
Ohrid was called "Lychnidos", meaning "City of Light." By the late 9th century, the town was referred to as "Ohrid." This is Slavic, meaning "on a hill." With its 365 churches, it was known as "Jerusalem of the Balkans."
Legend says King Cadmus, banished from Thebes, founded the town on a hill overlooking the lucid waters of Lake Ohrid. That may... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Legend says King Cadmus, banished from Thebes, founded the town on a hill overlooking the lucid waters of Lake Ohrid. That may... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Ohrid's Historical Churches
According to the legend based on the observations of 15th-century Ottoman traveler Evlia Celebia, the town of Ohrid used to have within its boundaries 365 chapels 鈥� one for every day of the year. At some point during Medieval times, Ohrid was even dubbed Slavic Jerusalem. Today, although the number of churches is considerably smaller, the architectural and historical value of those that remain... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles