Пештерска црква Св. Архангел Михаил

Pesterna Crkva Sveti Arhangel Mihail - Cave Church Archangel St. Michael - Sveti Arxangel Mixail

Useful Information

Location:	R1208, Radozhda. Radozda/Radozhda/Radožda/Радожда, Struga region, western shore of Lake Ohrid. 10.8 km south of Struga, 2 km from the border to Albania. (41.1068913, 20.6324791)
Open:	no restrictions. Get key at the restaurant at the lower end of the staircase. [2024]
Fee:	free. [2024]
Classification:	Karst Cave Painted Cave Cave Church St. Michael Caves
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided, D=30 min.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:
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History

12-NOV-2011

church break in, but nothing stolen.

Description

Пештерска црква Св. Архангел Михаил (Pesterna Crkva Sveti Arhangel Mihail, Cave Church Archangel St. Michael) is a small cave church located at the northern end of the village Радожда (Radožda, Radozda) on the western shores of lake Ohrid. Radožda translates Christmas or Nativity. The church is reached up a long staircase from the village. This cave church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Most of the frescoes in this church date from the 14th century, but an image of the "Miracle in Hona" from the 13th century is unique. The artist was a talented master, who introduced new techniques. Other frescoes are from the 15th and 17th century, and the modestly decorated wooden iconostasis displays icons from the 19th century.

A long staircase winds its way up to the overhanging rock, which forms a huge shelter. There are several terraces with railings which overlook lake Ohrid, offering a nice view. A wall with a door is the facade of the cave church.