Samuel’s fortress

The fantastic combination of beauty and history in one place makes Ohrid one of the few places where you can enjoy a complete experience. This town is located on the lake of the same name and is justifiably a target for tourists from all over the world. Ohrid Fortress is visible from a distance due to its dominant position at the top of the hill. The city was once the capital of a powerful medieval empire. And vice versa, when you climb it, from the height there is a view of the valley that fills the lake and beyond: to the south of Albania, to the northwest are the town of Struga and Mount Jablanica, to the east Mount Galicica. Visibility meant an advantage over the enemy during the wars, as well as the possibility to give the subjects some sign e. g by displaying the flag. Note how the location of the northeastern shore of Lake Ohrid, rich in fish, surrounded by a forest full of wildlife, provides all the necessary resources easily accessible. But its strategic position was crucial to construction. The visibility of the surroundings at a time when barbarian tribes were ravaging the surroundings was a great advantage. He built it in the 4th century BC. Philip II, the Macedonian ancient king, the father of Alexander the Great, used it as a fortress from where he could fight against the Illyrian tribes that ravaged the north and for the defense of their northern borders of their, at that time, powerful empire.

Continuing with the climb, you will reach the ancient theater, which was built at approximately the same time as the fortress, for the needs of the then ancient metropolis. It was initially used for celebrations related to the cult of the god Dionysus twice a year, in spring and autumn during the grape harvest. Later, tragedies and dramas of the famous Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides were performed, and with the arrival of the Romans, the theater was turned into a gladiatorial arena.

The fortress served to defend the city during the Macedonian-Roman wars that followed the death of Alexander the Great and the weakening of the power of his empire. King Samuel took care of the present-day appearance of the medieval fortress. After moving his capital from Prespan Lake to Ohrid, he rebuilt the citadel and the massive ramparts that surround the old part of the city. Precisely because of his contribution, the fortress is known by his name.

The Slavic name that stands in historical records is Ohrid - a city built on a cliff, a hill. According to one legend, Samuel's soldiers carrying heavy stones to the hill during the construction of the fortress shouted oh-ride!