12. Ohrid, Macedonia
Ohrid lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Ohrid in the southwest Macedonia. The small Town is an off-the-beaten-track gem and a joy to explore. The cobbled streets and the Byzantine churches are always good for a walk. And for gourmets, the local specialties such as cabbage rolls in one of the restaurants on the lake are a wonderful experience.
Today Ohrid is a nationally known tourist attraction. The well-preserved old town, the fortress with a panoramic view, the many churches, the monasteries and mosques as well as the large, million-year-old see not only strangers from the Balkans, but also from their own Europe and Asia. UNESCO declared Lake Ohrid and its surroundings a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
At the highest point in the city, the fortress of Tsar Samuil sits enthroned on the Gorni Saraj hill. The citadel was part of the fortifications that surrounded the city.
Together with the city walls, the complex has around 20 wall and gate towers as well as six city and fortress gates. In summer, the fortress is a popular destination for tourists, as it offers a far-reaching panoramic view of the city, lake and mountains.
