The monastery was established in 905 AD, placing it among the oldest religious sites in the Slavic world.
It served as a major center for literacy and education during the Medieval period, contributing to the development of the Cyrillic alphabet.
The interior frescoes date back to the early 19th century and depict various scenes of Saint Naum's life and miracles.
The wood-carved iconostasis inside the main church dates from 1711 and is considered a masterpiece of Balkan woodcarving.
The monastery is located only a few hundred meters from the official border crossing between North Macedonia and Albania.
The peacocks roaming the grounds are protected and have become a synonymous symbol of the monastery's garden.
The springs of the Black Drim river, which flow into Lake Ohrid at this location, are protected as a natural monument.
Saint Naum is buried in a small side chapel within the main monastery church.
Saint Naum Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox complex founded in 905 AD by Saint Naum of Ohrid, a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Situated on a rocky outcrop at the southern end of Lake Ohrid, the current structure dates primarily to the 16th century. The interior houses the tomb of Saint Naum, which is frequently visited by pilgrims who claim to hear the saint's heartbeat by pressing an ear against the sarcophagus. The monastery grounds are home to a resident population of free-roaming albino and multi-colored peacocks. It is located directly on the border between North Macedonia and Albania. The original church was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, retaining its Byzantine-style architecture and original medieval frescoes. The Black Drim river springs originate nearby, feeding the lake through a series of lush, clear-water pools.
The garden terrace overlooking the monastery walls with the lake and mountains in the background.
Walk down to the nearby springs where you can rent a small rowboat for a quiet tour of the crystal-clear water.
Look for the peacocks in the garden area; they are accustomed to humans but should not be fed.
Take a moment to observe the lakefront view from the monastery balcony, which offers a clear perspective toward the Albanian mountains.
Do not attempt to walk across the border into Albania without proper documentation or through non-designated crossing paths.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees must be covered. Maintain a quiet tone, especially inside the chapel near the tomb.
