Holy Mary Perybleptos Church, Ohrid, North Macedonia

Built in 1295, the Holy Mother of God Peribleptos is one of the oldest churches in the historic town of Ohrid in southwestern Macedonia. The domed cross-in-square church was commissioned by the Byzantine governor Progonos Sgouros, a son-in-law of emperor Andronikos II Palaeologos.

The frescoes in the church, which have substantially contributed to current knowledge of Palaeologan painting, include images from the Passion and the Gospels, the life of the Virgin Mary, and the life of John the Baptist. Byzantine painters Michael and Eutychios signed their work at the church, making Holy Mother of God Peribleptos one of only four churches that preserves the signatures of these important artists.

An ambulatory was added to the church in the fourteenth century, but closed off in the nineteenth century, giving the entrance to the building its unusual appearance. Holy Mother of God Peribleptos has suffered from improper roof conservation in the past, which has allowed additional moisture to enter the building. As a result, rising damp and salts leeching out of the walls have severely affected the Byzantine frescoes. Changes in pigment are noticeable, and in some areas the paintings have started to fall from the walls. The local community is eager to restore the church, but requires international assistance to do so.

References:

wmf.org

Religious sites in North Macedonia

User Reviews

Jamie Carr (4 years ago)
Among the best Orthodox churches have ever visited. Must visit!

Olegs Pimenovs (4 years ago)
One of the best church of all my life. It’s a pure magic to be inside. The frescoes are brilliant and painted by two young masters. They signed it in 17 hidden places. The first place to visit in Ohrid.

Jess Moore (4 years ago)
Almost didn't enter the church because there was a fee and figured it was just another church but as the man there informed me, "it would be a mistake not to go inside." He wasn't joking- it was absolutely incredible!! Definitely worth the price. Highly recommend to all, even non religious. It's truly a piece of art. And the man working there was incredibly knowledgable and friendly :) thanks

Honest (4 years ago)
Pretty place and view from there. Beautiful architecture. Didn’t enter inside the church though. The entrance fee around 2€ (for dec 2020)

Zarko Markovski (5 years ago)
Most precious Byzantine Church in Ohrid. 13 century masterpiece of the celebrated fresco painters Mihail and Eutichios Astrapas.

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