Chiesa di San Clemente e Panteleimon
Ohrid, a city of ancient roots and stunning beauty, holds within its heart the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon, a site whose history stretches back to the dawn of Christianity. Plaosnik is situated on a flat plateau in the southern foothills of the higher (western) hill of Ohrid, between the Samoil Fortress and St. Jovan Kaneo Church, near the Ohrid Lake. It’s an impressive archaeological complex that has cultural layers dating back to prehistory, antiquity, and the Middle Ages. The Antiquities Service in Ohrid conducted the initial archaeological interventions at Plaoshnik between October 1942 and May 1943 (with interruptions), in the area within the remains of Sultan Mehmed Mosque.
Gli archeologi hanno scoperto i resti della chiesa di San Clemente e la tomba di San Clemente di Ohrid. Il monastero di San Clemente a Plaoshnik è una rappresentazione fisica della vita e dell'opera di San Clemente. Il monastero di Plaoshnik non era solo la casa più amata del santo, ma anche il suo luogo di riposo eterno. Qui si svolgevano anche attività educative e letterarie che hanno portato alla creazione di un centro per l'illuminazione del mondo slavo.
A Plaoshnik ci sono diversi edifici, come il Museo di Plaoshnik, la Biblioteca di San Clemente, la Galleria delle Icone, l'Istituto di Scienze Umanistiche, gli ostelli e la Facoltà di Teologia, attualmente in costruzione.
Cosa si può visitare qui?
È stato girato su Ohrid
Informazioni dalla storia
Storia della chiesa
San Clemente utilizzò la chiesa appena creata come edificio liturgico e come luogo per insegnare ai suoi discepoli lo slavo della Chiesa Antica e l'alfabeto glagolitico. Clemente fu sepolto all'interno della chiesa dopo la sua morte nel 916; la sua tomba esiste ancora oggi.

The Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon, Ohrid: Layers of History
Ohrid, a city of ancient roots and stunning beauty, holds within its heart the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon, a site whose history stretches back to the dawn of Christianity. While the church is deeply connected to the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius and their disciple Clement of Ohrid in the 9th century, its story begins much earlier.
Archaeological evidence suggests that a Christian basilica stood on this very spot as early as the 5th or 6th century. This early church would have been a testament to the spread of Christianity in the region during the late Roman and early Byzantine periods. Imagine the early Christian community gathering here, their voices echoing within the walls of that original structure.
Centuries later, in the 9th century, this site took on renewed significance with the arrival of Clement of Ohrid, a key figure in the development of Slavic literacy and culture. Following the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Clement brought the Glagolitic alphabet and a passion for spreading Christianity among the Slavic people. He established a monastery and school here, building upon the existing foundations of the older church. It is likely that he undertook renovations or reconstructions of the existing structure to adapt it to the needs of his community and his educational mission. While dedicated to Saint Panteleimon, the church also became closely associated with Clement himself, reflecting his immense influence.
The church we see today is a palimpsest of architectural styles, reflecting its long and complex history. While the original 5th/6th-century basilica likely forms the foundation, subsequent centuries have left their mark. The architecture showcases a blend of Byzantine and early Slavic influences, with later additions and restorations, particularly during the Ottoman period, further shaping its appearance. This layered history makes the church a fascinating study for historians and art enthusiasts.
The significance of the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon lies not only in its architectural beauty but also in its role as a center of Slavic learning. Clement’s school here played a crucial role in translating religious texts into the Slavic language, making Christianity accessible to a wider audience and laying the groundwork for Slavic literature.
The connection to Saints Cyril and Methodius is paramount. Their creation of the Glagolitic and later Cyrillic alphabets was a revolutionary step in the development of Slavic culture. Clement, carrying their torch, continued their mission in Ohrid, making this site a vital link in the chain of Slavic cultural and spiritual development.
Today, the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon stands as a powerful symbol of faith, education, and cultural exchange. It invites visitors to explore the layers of its history, from the early Christian basilica to the legacy of Clement of Ohrid and the rise of Slavic literacy. A visit to this sacred site offers a profound journey through time, revealing the rich tapestry of Ohrid’s past and its enduring contribution to European culture.
Plan your visit to the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon today and discover the layers of history within its walls!
Dove trovare informazioni turistiche?
Contatti
Chiesa ortodossa macedone - Eparchia di Debar-Kicevo
Dimce Malenko b.b., Ohrid N. Macedonia
tel. +389 046/266-805
Istituto per la protezione dei monumenti della cultura e dei musei
"Via Boro Shain n. 10 6000 Ohrid, Macedonia settentrionale
tel. +389 (0) 4626 2498
e-mail: infomuzejohrid.mk
web: muzejohrid.mk/home-en
Trasporto - come raggiungere la Chiesa?
È possibile arrivare qui a piedi o in auto. Si tenga presente che per arrivare a Plaosnik bisogna camminare un po' su per la collina. Per visitare la chiesa e i reperti archeologici che la circondano non è necessario prenotare o acquistare biglietti in anticipo. Il biglietto si acquista all'ingresso. 40 minuti (all'interno della chiesa + passeggiata tra i reperti archeologici vicino alla chiesa). L'area è aperta ai turisti, non è accessibile con gli autobus. I gruppi di turisti devono camminare per 500 m dalla Porta Superiore.
Suggerimenti per l'alloggio
- Villa&Winery Mal Sv.Kliment, Ul.Metodi Patcev br.10, Ohrid 6000, Repubblica di Macedonia del Nord
- Hotel Tino, Kej Makedonija 55, Ohrid 6000, Repubblica di Macedonia del Nord
- Vila Sofija - Ohrid, Kosta Abrash br.64, Ohrid 6000, Repubblica di Macedonia del Nord
- Vila Varosh - Ohrid, 15A Boro Shain Ohrid Comune di Ohrid 6000, Repubblica di Macedonia del Nord