Radožda: Cave Church and Distinctive Landmarks

Radožda sets the scene for a memorable discovery trip by Lake Ohrid, with a medieval cave church, sacred places of worship in the area and a striking cross at the village entrance. The 22-metre-high cross marks the entrance to the village. There are seven sacred places of worship in the Radožda area.

The Cave Church of St. Archangel Michael lies above Radožda, inside a natural cave in a steep rock face. Dedicated to Archangel Michael, it dates back to the Middle Ages. It took on its present architectural form in the 14th century, while some of its frescoes date from the 12th century. Two historical periods thus meet in this structure: older frescoes and a later architectural form. The description of the site brings together its setting in the rock face and a history spanning several centuries.

Another historical highlight lies in the hilly terrain west of Radožda, on the western shore of Lake Ohrid. A 2.50-metre stretch of the Via Egnatia has been preserved there. The cave church and the road section represent different aspects of the surroundings: a sacred site in a rock face and a historic road in a hilly landscape.

Fish Restaurants and Local Cuisine

Cuisine is also part of the village’s character. On the shore of Lake Ohrid in Radožda, fish restaurants serve visitors fresh catches from the lake and local specialities. You can also try fish prepared in the Gruman style in Radožda. If you plan to visit a particular restaurant, check its current opening hours in advance, as individual establishments may change their hours.

Struga: City Walks and Culture

Struga is a distinct urban centre. The Crn Drim flows through the centre after leaving Lake Ohrid. An easy city walking route runs from the lake along the Crn Drim quays through the centre and takes in the old bazaar quarter. Lake Ohrid by Struga is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area. As the condition of the path may change, check it before setting out.

The National Institution “Dr. Nikola Nezlobinski” has departments of biology, archaeology, ethnology, history and art history. The archaeology department organises permanent and temporary thematic exhibitions of museum materials and objects dating from prehistory to the Middle Ages. The Memorial Gallery Vangel Kodzoman presents the thematic exhibition “Struga in the past”. The House of the Miladinov Brothers has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and work of the poets.

The small Church of St. George in the centre of Struga also reflects several periods of construction: it was built in 1835 over a much older church dating from the 16th century. The church houses a small icon gallery with works from the 13th to the 19th century, including a well-known icon of St. George from 1267.

For outdoor activities, Struga offers different landscapes and ways to get active: the plain is suitable for easier cycling, while hiking routes from Struga lead to the foothills of Mount Jablanica. Local boat trips from Struga go, among other destinations, towards Kališta and Radožda. Routes and departure times depend on the operator, the season and the weather.

Events also add their own cultural highlights. The ethnology department organises the annual “Review of folk costumes”, a traditional festival of costumes and folklore; check the dates and programme separately. At the Struga Poetry Evenings, the Golden Wreath is awarded for a poet’s lifetime achievement, while the Miladinov Brothers Award goes to a collection of poems published between two festivals.

Discover more destinations: Mali Vlaj, Kališta, Struga.

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