The site served as the seat of the Ohrid Literary School, which played a pivotal role in spreading literacy across the Slavic world.
The 2002 reconstruction was built on foundations of multiple previous layers, including a 5th-century basilica and a medieval church.
The church floor contains a preserved baptismal pool from the early Christian period that is still visible to visitors.
Saint Clement is traditionally believed to have personally designed the original church floor plan.
Archaeologists uncovered over 2,300 bronze coins and a variety of medieval jewelry during the excavations of the Plaošnik plateau.
The Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon is a reconstructed Byzantine-style church located on Plaošnik hill, overlooking Lake Ohrid. It marks the site where Saint Clement of Ohrid founded the first Slavic university in the 9th century. The current structure was completed in 2002 to mirror the architectural design of the original church demolished during the Ottoman period. It houses the remains of Saint Clement within a marble sarcophagus inside the interior. Excavations at the site revealed an early Christian basilica floor featuring intricate mosaic tiles. The complex includes a baptismal font with an inlaid swastika motif, dating back to the 4th or 5th century. This location is significant as the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet, which was developed by St. Clement and St. Naum. The site is a protected archaeological park featuring ongoing excavations of medieval monastery buildings.
From the terrace path leading up to the church, framing the structure against the backdrop of Lake Ohrid.
Wear footwear suitable for walking on uneven archaeological terrain and stone paths.
Combine your visit with the nearby Tsar Samuel's Fortress as they are within walking distance.
Ensure you walk around the back of the church to view the ongoing archaeological excavations.
Do not attempt to walk through the roped-off archaeological excavation pits in the surrounding compound.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; avoid speaking loudly inside the nave; photography is generally prohibited inside the church interior.
