Information
Landmark: Monastery of St. John the BaptistCity: Ohrid
Country: North Macedonia
Continent: Europe
Monastery of St. John the Baptist, Ohrid, North Macedonia, Europe
Overview
Tucked near the quiet village of Slepche in Demir Hisar, North Macedonia, the Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Мaнастир Свети Јован Крстител) stands as a cherished place of worship.This centuries-old monastery stands as a vital heart of Orthodox Christian life, where incense drifts through its stone halls and faith, culture, and architecture meet.Tucked into the foothills of Mount Ilinska, the Monastery of St. John the Baptist rests among deep green forests and quiet meadows where the air smells of pine, about 20 kilometers from Demir Hisar along a winding scenic road; founded in the 11th century during the Byzantine era, it grew into one of the region’s oldest centers of faith and learning, endured the Ottoman period as a guardian of Orthodox traditions and manuscripts, and has since been carefully restored, its Byzantine-style stone-and-brick church crowned with a central dome and glowing inside with 14th-century frescoes, while the larger complex-complete with monks’ quarters, dining halls, and a library-remains a place of pilgrimage, cultural preservation, and spiritual retreat, drawing visitors year-round to its forest trails, mountain springs, and feast-day celebrations that keep centuries of devotion alive.With its ancient stone arches, deep spiritual roots, and serene surroundings, it draws pilgrims, history buffs, and nature lovers who wouldn’t dream of skipping it.
