Sights · Our pick
Church of St John at Kaneo
Ohrid’s postcard
A 13th-century church alone on a rocky point above Lake Ohrid, loveliest at sunset.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Cacar60 · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 3
About Church of St John at Kaneo
Perched on a high rock above the old fishing quarter of Kaneo, St John the Theologian stands on one of the loveliest spots on the shores of Lake Ohrid and has become a symbol of the town. Built and painted towards the end of the 13th century, it blends Byzantine and Armenian elements in its architecture. Restoration in 1963–64 removed a later porch and bell tower and uncovered the frescoes in the dome; paintings survive in the dome and altar, including St Clement of Ohrid. Walk here along the lakeside boardwalk or down the lanes from Plaošnik; a small fee is charged inside.
Our take
- 13th-century church
- Clifftop over the lake
- Sunset favourite
- Address
- Ohrid, the Balkans
- Our city guide
- On our Skopje guide
- Price guide
- € (sights price guide)
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Church of St John at Kaneo before you go.
Last checked: October 2026 How we choose
Location
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Read next
SightsSamuel’s FortressMassive medieval walls on the summit of Ohrid’s hill, with the lake spread below.
SightsChurch of St SophiaOhrid’s medieval cathedral, painted with frescoes from the 11th century.
SightsPlaošnikSt Clement’s monastery site, with early Christian mosaic floors around a rebuilt church.