Fun and History in Ohrid
Story by Ardian Nrecaj Public Affairs Specialist
Ohrid is home to many monasteries and churches( Photo by Mark Boggs)
“ For those that like to take it easy there is Buffalo beach, within walking distance from the city”
The city of Ohrid is often referred to as the pearl of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It is located right on the coast of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’ s deepest and oldest lakes, in western FYROM on the border with Albania and is a three hours drive from Camp Bondsteel.
With many beautiful beaches, churches and monasteries, it’ s a great destination to visit during summer when many cultural events and concerts are held. The Ohrid Summer Festival of Music and Theater takes place every year between July 12 and August 20.
Starting from the centre of Ohrid there are numerous beaches that will meet the needs of both young adults and families.
Mark Boggs, the Area Support Team Balkans operations officer, has been to Ohrid many times since his arrival at Camp Bondsteel a few years ago.
“ The location is very scenic with clear water, mountains, an old city center and historic sites. People are also friendly and welcoming,” said Boggs.
“ The city boardwalk is nice; full of coffee bars, shops, and a variety of very good restaurants,” added Boggs.“ Ohrid has it all, but there are also many sites to see in the surrounding area.”
If you like history, the Monastery of Saint Naum will be something you will want to visit. It was established in the year 905 by St. Naum of Ohrid.
The monastery is located about 30 kilometers from the city center and you can either drive or take a boat from Ohrid. One thing not to be missed is a boat tour of the Saint Naum springs that supply the lake with fresh water.
Aleksandar Stamboliski, a FYROM native and a linguist at Camp Bondsteel, said that those who like the nightlife should go to beaches in Gradiste, 14 kilometers from Ohrid, where they often organize parties that last until late in the night.
“ For those that like to take it easy there is Buffalo beach, within walking distance from the city center,” said Stamboliski.“ They have beach volleyball courts [ and ] Cuba Libre bar is there if you like Latino music.”
For dinners Stamboliski recommends restaurants Dalga and Mamir, where you can have fish, lamb or local traditional foods.
Ohrid and Lake Ohrid are accepted as Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO
Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’ s deepest and oldest lakes
Ohrid is notable for once having had 365 churches, one for each day of the year
The boardwalk of the city of Ohrid, often referred to as the pearl of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.( Courtesy photo by Ljupce Anastasov)
THE BONDSTEEL BULLET ● Page 3