The Church of St.Sophia can be found in the beautiful south-western town of Ohrid.It is one of the largest medieval churches in this territory.
The church was once used as cathedral in the time of Czar Samuel in the 10th century. There are no inscriptions that can help with revealing the time it was built. It was also suggested that today’s church was either built or restored during the period of the Archbishop Leo who was in the throne of the church from the periods between 1035-1056.A very interesting thing about the church is that it was build before the separation of Catholic and Ortodoxal christianity. So, even though it is an ortodox temple, there is a lot of catholic influences.
The original church had only one main dome. It’s shape was three-naval basilica with a transept, a dome and galleries on the side naves.
This Christian Church was converted into a Muslim mosque during the conquests of the Ottoman Empire. The church was refashioned entirely to hide any resemblance of Christian faith. Since then, the frescoes have been cleaned and conserved.The belfry of the church was made into minaret.Today there is just an empty hall on that place.
Since the mid 1900′s, the church once again stands as a symbol of Christian belief. The interior holds some of the most important Byzantine paintings of the era. They are considered to be the most famous medieval Macedonian paintings. Throughout the 11th and 14th centuries, many additions and conservations have been made to make the church what it is today.
The frescos from the alter section and from the ground floor are the oldest frescos dating back to the XI century.There are frescos with portraits of six Roman popes.
This church is a very famous site for the Macedonians. It’s held with such regard, that it can even be found on the back of the Macedonian 1000 denar banknote issued in 1996 and 2003. Also, every summer this church holds a big place in the cultural event. It hosts the famous ” Ohrid Summer Festival “.
If you are visiting the beautiful shores and amazing architecture of Ohrid, then this church is a must see addition to your sight seeing list.
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