Church of the Virgin Peribleptos

The Church of the Holy Mother of God Peribleptos is one of the most important medieval churches in Ohrid and a masterpiece of Byzantine fresco painting. It was built in 1295 through the efforts of the Byzantine commander and governor of Ohrid, Progon Zgur, in honour of his wife.

The church is dedicated to the Virgin Peribleptos, meaning 'Magnificent' or 'She who sees everything'. Its frescoes of 1295 are the work of the painters Michael and Eutychios, among the most famous medieval painters of the Balkans.

The lively compositions, the movement of the figures and the striking faces represent an important step in the development of Byzantine art. The church also holds valuable icons, and for centuries it was one of Ohrid's important spiritual centres.

After the abolition of the Archbishopric of Ohrid in 1767, its seat was transferred here, and today the Icon Gallery stands within the church complex. For visitors, this is one of the places where the richness of Ohrid's medieval art and spiritual tradition can best be felt.