st. jovan kaneo, Ohrid

1 more image

As Macedonia's most-photographed building, Sveti Jovan really doesn't need much of an introduction. This church looks great from above, so be sure to approach from the wooded path leading down from Plaosnik. Once you've reached the church itself there isn't much to see (as it's built so close to the edge of a cliff, there's no room to step back for a great shot), though there are original 13th-century frescoes behind the altar.

1 more image

Surely this church must be the most photographed site in Ohrid if not all of Macedonia, it's lakeside perch providing a stunning background to the orthodox church thought to have been built in the 13th century. We visited the church on the VT sponsored walking tour of the old city, I don't recall walking down to see it, perhaps since it was towards the end of the tour everyone was ready to get back to town or perhaps because it wasn't open for visitation.

You can read more about the history in the attached link

4 more images

My favorite place in Ohrid. A beautiful church located at an incredible location, on the cliffs above Lake Ohrid. Built at the end of the 13th century.

Even with your eyes closed it is impossible to take a bad picture of this jewel!

St Jovan can be seen in the movie "Before the Rain" directed by Mancevski.

To enter the church you pay admission fee, 100 Denars (about 1.60 euro) if I remember correctly.

St Jovan is part of a trip along interesting locations in Ohrid, which can be found on my page about Ohrid, follow the link below.

4 more images

The picturesque Church of St. John at Kaneo (Sveti Jovan Kaneo) is probably Macedonia's most photographed structure.

The exact construction date of the Macedonian Orthodox church is unknown, but it is said to be built around the 13th century.

During the last restoration works in 1964 frescoes were discovered in the dome of the church. The architectural style of the building reminds of Armenian churches.

The entrance fee to the Church is 100 MKD (approx. 1,70 Euro). The area around the church offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding villages.

Directions:
The Church of St. John at Kaneo stands on a cliff in Ohrid's fishermen settlement Kaneo. It can be reached via a new boardwalk along the lake. The way is well signposted from behind the Church of St. Sophia.

St. Jovan Theologian Kaneo is by no means the largest church we visited in Ohrid but it's exquisite position on a bluff overlooking the lake and it's delightful architectural form make it one of my favourites.

The building predates the mid 15th century although the exact date is unknown and is apparently a mixture of Byzantine and Armenian styles. I don't believe it was made into a mosque during the Ottoman period like many other churches in Ohrid but it naturally fell into decay until the end of the 19th century when a religious revival brought about much renovation.

Again, I do not propose to merely paraphrase the escellent webpage I have attached and claim it as my own, I commend you to read it.

2 more images

Saint John the Theologian or simply Saint John at Kaneo is a Macedonian Orthodox church situated on Kaneo beach overlooking Lake Ohrid. The church is attributed to the author of the Gospel of John, John the Theologian.

The church was built into the shape of a cruciform with a rectangular base. The architect of the church is unknown but it is believed that he was influenced by the architecture of Armenian churches. Reconstruction work was carried out on the church in the 14th century, shortly before the arrival of Ottoman Turks in Macedonia. A wooden iconostasis was constructed within the church and by the 20th century numerous saints along with the Virgin Mary have been portrayed on the apse. A fresco of Christ Pantocrator can be seen on the dome of the church. A fresco of Saint Clement of Ohrid (whose monastery, Saint Panteleimon, is located close to the church) accompanied by Saint Erasmus of Ohrid can also be seen on a wall of the church.

The position of the church is great as it is located on the cliff overlooking the lake. It dates way back to 15th century. It is built in very interesting medieval style, combining the elements of different arhitectures of the time. Some very old and well-preserved frescoes can be seen in it.

4 more images

Beautiful church on a great place!!! The church of St. John the Theologician - Kaneo was built and fresco painted in the 13th century. The location of the church is among the most beautiful on the shore of lake Ohrid. It stands on a high rock above the former fishermen's settlement of Kaneo and one of the most beautiful beaches in the old part of the town. It is crucifix in shape, and renown for its rather harmonious forms and exceptionally successfully decorated facade and dome. As both building and decorative material baked bricks and limestone were used.
It represents a successful combination of the Byzantine and Armenian elements. The unknown constructor of this monument designed the dome under the influence of the Armenian architecture.
I did not see it inside but my wife did and really like it... I bet it's also interesting nside as it is outside.

4 more images

St. Kliment Ohridski Monastery is located at Plaosnik (known as Imaret during the Turks), southwards from the Samuilo's Citadel. This monastery is the oldest Slavic monument of culture. It had an extremely important role in the education of the Macedonians during the period of strong influence of the Byzantine Empire. The whole area around the monestary is an arceological site.

Entry is free of charge.

4 more images

The Church of St John, just a short walk outside the main town, and perched on the edge of a cliff, is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical sights you will ever see. Famed across Macedonia, and appearing on painting in all parts of the country, it is as iconic as it is stunning. The church itself is a little dowdy and dumpy, but the location is breathtaking, as are the views of the lake and town from the church grounds.

The church was built early in the 15th century, and survived centuries of decline and neglect under Ottoman rule, to become one of the prime sites of Ohrid and Macedonia.