At the southernmost point of Lake Ohrid, perched on a high cliff directly above the lake and surrounded by an area of exceptional natural beauty, stands one of the most recognizable and most visited cultural landmarks of the Ohrid region — St. Naum Monastery.
The journey to St. Naum is part of the experience. On one side stretches the lake, while on the other rise the mountain slopes of Galičica. At the end of the road, the monastery complex appears above the water, surrounded by an extraordinary landscape.
Today, visitors come to St. Naum for its history and architecture, but also for the spectacular scenery, the springs of the Black Drim River, peaceful gardens and the unique atmosphere of this remarkable place.
A Monastery with More Than a Thousand Years of History
The history of the monastery is inseparably connected with St. Naum of Ohrid, a close associate and contemporary of St. Clement and one of the important disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
Towards the end of his life, Naum founded a monastery dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, on the site where the monastery complex stands today. In 910, he was buried in the monastery church, and his tomb remains one of the central features of the complex.
The original church was architecturally similar to the Church of St. Panteleimon at Plaošnik in Ohrid. Over the centuries, it was destroyed and rebuilt, and the present appearance of the church is largely the result of later construction and renovation.
Today’s church has the distinctive form of an inscribed cross within a square space and is recognizable for its domes, architecture and richly decorated interior. St. Naum’s tomb is located in a separate part of the complex.
The layered history of the monastery is one of its greatest attractions: visitors are not simply looking at a historic building, but at a place that has evolved and remained alive through many centuries.
A Place of Legends and Stories
Numerous legends have been associated with St. Naum and have been passed down through generations.
One of the best-known stories tells that St. Naum and St. Clement were brothers who agreed to build two monasteries on opposite sides of Lake Ohrid. Another legend connects St. Naum with the waters of the lake and the course of the Black Drim River, while local traditions also associate him with miraculous healings.
Whether you see these stories as history, legend or part of the region’s rich folklore, they add another fascinating dimension to St. Naum and reveal how deeply this place is rooted in the cultural memory of the Ohrid region.
St. Naum and the Lake
One of the greatest reasons to visit the monastery is its extraordinary setting.
From the complex, visitors can enjoy magnificent views over the southern part of Lake Ohrid, with the mountain landscapes rising behind it. Nearby are the springs of the Black Drim River, one of the most impressive natural features of this part of the lake.
Crystal-clear water emerges from underwater karst springs, creating a network of small waterways, islands and peaceful green areas. Visitors can explore the area on foot or take a small boat, offering a completely different perspective of the springs and the surrounding landscape.
The monastery gardens and the grounds around the complex add to the experience, while the peacocks wandering freely around the site have long been one of the charming details associated with St. Naum.
How to Get to St. Naum
The monastery is located approximately 29 kilometres south of Ohrid, on the eastern shore of the lake. There are several ways to reach it, each offering a different experience.
🚗 By Car
From Ohrid, follow the scenic road along the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid. The drive takes approximately 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic and stops along the way.
This is a great option for visitors who want to combine St. Naum with other attractions along the lake, such as the Bay of Bones, Peštani, Trpejca or Galičica National Park.
Parking is available near the monastery complex.
🚌 By Bus or Minibus
Local bus services connect Ohrid with St. Naum. The journey generally takes around 40–60 minutes, depending on the service and road conditions.
This is a practical and affordable option for visitors travelling without a car. Since schedules may vary depending on the season, particularly during the winter months, it is advisable to check the timetable before travelling.
⛵ By Boat from Ohrid
For many visitors, arriving by boat is the most memorable way to experience St. Naum.
During the tourist season, boats depart from the Ohrid harbour and travel along the eastern shore of the lake. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours and offers panoramic views of Ohrid, the lakeshore, Trpejca, Galičica and the surrounding landscape.
Some organized boat excursions combine St. Naum with the Bay of Bones and other attractions along the eastern shore, turning the journey into a full-day experience.
🚕 By Taxi or Organized Tour
A taxi is a convenient option for visitors who prefer flexibility, particularly families and small groups. Many visitors also choose organized tours from Ohrid, often combining St. Naum with several attractions along the eastern shore of the lake.
Don’t Miss the Springs of the Black Drim
A visit to St. Naum would not be complete without exploring the springs of the Black Drim River.
Here, water emerges from the rocky underground and forms remarkably clear and peaceful waterways. Small boats allow visitors to explore deeper into the spring system and experience the quiet, almost magical character of the landscape.
This is where one of the greatest qualities of St. Naum becomes most apparent: the cultural heritage is not separate from nature — it is part of it.
One of the Best Day Trips from Ohrid
St. Naum can easily be visited in a few hours, but it can just as easily become a full-day adventure.
Explore the monastery complex, walk along the lakeshore, discover the springs of the Black Drim, enjoy the views towards Galičica or simply relax in the shade of the monastery gardens.
And if you arrive by boat, the journey across Lake Ohrid becomes part of the story itself.
St. Naum is not simply a place to see. It is a place to experience — where more than a thousand years of history, mountains, lake and the springs of the Black Drim come together in one of the most remarkable landscapes of the Ohrid region.
Date of photos: August, 2014
