Sveta Bogorodica Bolnička & Sveti Nikola Bolnički

Ohrid


Bolnica means 'hospital' in Macedonian; during plagues visitors faced 40-day quarantines inside the walled confines of these petite churches, which are thought to date to the 14th century. Sandwiched between Car Samoil and Kosta Abraš in the heart of the Old Town, the churches have somewhat irregular opening hours, but don't miss going in if they are open. Both are small and low-lying, but have intricate interiors heaving under elaborate icons.

The dining terrace of Pizzeria Leonardo actually backs onto the grounds of Sveti Nikola Bolnički.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ohrid attractions

1. National Workshop for Handmade Paper

0.06 MILES

Here's a slightly random fact for you: Ohrid has been printing paper since the 16th century and this museum-cum-shop has one of only two copies of the…

2. National Museum

0.07 MILES

Ohrid's National Museum is housed over three floors of this remarkably well-preserved Old Town house, which dates from 1863 and was once owned by the…

3. Sveta Sofija Cathedral

0.16 MILES

Ohrid's grandest church, 11th-century Sveta Sofija is supported by columns and decorated with elaborate, if very faded, Byzantine frescoes, though they…

4. Icon Gallery

0.19 MILES

This small museum contains an impressive collection of Macedonian religious icons, from the 13th to the 18th century. It's right by the Church of Sveta…

5. Church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta

0.2 MILES

Just inside the Gorna Porta, this 13th-century Byzantine church, whose name translates as 'Our Lady the Most Glorious', has vivid biblical frescoes (newly…

6. Gorna Porta

0.23 MILES

Ohrid's Upper Gate marks the entrance to the fortified old town. If you enter Ohrid by car, you may well drive through its stooped stone archway.

7. Classical Amphitheatre

0.25 MILES

Ohrid's impressive amphitheatre was built in the Hellenistic period (around 200 BC); the Romans later removed 10 rows to accommodate gladiators and used…

8. Ohrid Boardwalk & City Beach

0.29 MILES

Skimming the surface of the water along Ohrid's shore, snaking towards Kaneo fishing village and the town's most famous church, this over-water boardwalk…