The area around Peshtani reveals distinct eras at specific sites: the nearby Bay of Bones brings together a reconstructed stilt-house settlement and a Roman fortress; a medieval cycle of paintings survives in a cave church. Ohrid adds the history of the city and the nature of the lake to the regional picture.

Archaeological Sites Near Peshtani

The Bay of Bones museum complex is located near Peshtani. An accessible building houses museum display cases and a permanent exhibition of discovered artefacts; the complex also includes a facility for underwater tourism. The exhibition focuses on the finds, while the reconstructed settlement shows the form of its houses. Archaeological objects and an architectural reconstruction thus stand alongside one another as distinct elements of the complex.

The stilt-house settlement comprises 24 reconstructed prehistoric houses on a wooden platform above the lake water. The same complex includes a restored and conserved Roman fortress on the highest plateau of Gradishte Hill. The hill, also called Holy Mother of God, lies two kilometres south of Peshtani; remains of a fortress can be found there in the rocks. The houses and the fortification point to different ways of shaping and using a place.

Other medieval traces can also be found near Peshtani. A large cycle of wall paintings survives in the cave church of Sveta Bogorodica Peštanska, created by painters from Ohrid in the second half of the 14th century. Remains of medieval buildings and everyday objects have been found in Staro Selo. Together, these sites reveal different aspects of history: sacred art as well as architectural remains and objects from daily life.

Ohrid: Lake and Cultural Heritage

Lake Ohrid is a deep lake of tectonic origin that has existed continuously for approximately two to three million years. Its oligotrophic waters preserve more than 200 plant and animal species found only in this lake. These include algae, flatworms, snails and crustaceans, as well as 17 endemic fish species, including two species of trout. The lake is also known for its diverse birdlife. Galicica National Park lies east of Ohrid; Magaro, at 2,582 metres, is its highest peak.

Ohrid itself is one of Europe’s oldest human settlements. Its cultural heritage includes the oldest Slavic monastery, dedicated to Saint Panteleimon, and more than 800 Byzantine icons. They date from the 11th century to the end of the 14th century. This description refers to Ohrid; the stilt houses, fortress remains and wall paintings described above are in the area around Peshtani.

Getting There and Finding Accommodation

Peshtani can be reached by public transport. As timetables may change, check the latest information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Trpejca, Ramne, Kuratica, Ohrid, Velestovo, Lagadin

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