Lake Prespa

Lake Prespa and Galicica National Park

Lake Ohrid is one of the two large lakes of Macedonia, located next to each other. The other is Lake Prespa, which is now almost uninhabited but was an important hub of political and spiritual activity during the Middle Ages, especially in the time of Tsar Samuel.

Lake Prespa is a large, high-altitude tectonic lake situated at the border of Macedonia, Albania, and Greece. It lies at an elevation of 850 meters (compared to 700 meters for Lake Ohrid), and its waters actually feed Lake Ohrid through the springs at St. Nahum. The lake is divided into two parts, Small Prespa and Large Prespa, and is named after Persephone, the daughter of the Earth Goddess, who was abducted to the underworld by Hades. Surrounding the lake are two national parks, Galicica Park and Pelister Park.

In the heart of the lake are islands with ancient churches and fortresses. On the island of Saint Achilleios, located in the Greek territory of Small Prespa Lake, Tsar Samuel built a large basilica and brought the remains of the Greek Thessalian saint, Saint Achilleios. He also constructed a fortress on the island, likely along with a residence and an administrative center. This is where his tomb is located.

Another island located in the territory of Macedonia is Snake Island (or Golem Grad). It features a small Table Mountain, about 150 dunams in size, and serves as a natural rock fortress that rises 50 meters above the water, surrounded by cliffs. The island, which is relatively easy to defend, was inhabited as early as prehistoric times and remained occupied during the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

In the 10th century, it became one of the favorite places of Tsar Samuel, who was crowned king there, and in the 14th century, it was a favored retreat for the Serbian rulers of Macedonia, including King Marko. The only standing church on the island, named after St. Peter, dates from that time and still boasts original frescoes. The island can be reached by boat from the nearby village of Konjsko and has well-organized walking paths with signs.

Between Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid lies the Galicica Mountain Range National Park. A wonderful scenic road connects the two lakes, crossing the park through a mountain pass 1,600 meters high. From there, you get a bird’s-eye view of Lake Ohrid, which lies 900 meters below. Several hiking trails lead from the pass to the surrounding mountain peaks.

On the eastern side of the lake, there are several organized beaches and hotels, along with small villages and valleys that rise toward Mount Pelister, which is considered the Olympus of Macedonia. North of the lake is the historic town of Resen, nestled among apple orchards. This is where the Byzantine ruler Basil II defeated Tsar Samuel. Resen lies on the main road connecting Ohrid with the city of Bitola.