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