ostatoci na via egnatia vo makedonija

8/10/2019 Ostatoci Na via Egnatia Vo Makedonija

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RADOZHDA

Via Egnatia tragic Radozhda

Parts of the old Roman road Via Egnatia are thought to be located just outside of Radozda. The road is

located about 2 km outside of the center of Radozda.

After the restaurant Dva Biseri below the Cave Church of Archangel Michael turn right and uphill at the

first shop. You will pass the Church of St Nikola at the cemetery and soon will see a cobbled road. This

should be the remains of the Via Egnatia.

It is not known where the road exactly was located or heading. Some say parts of it are underwater in

Lake Ohrid between Struga and Ohrid, while recent findings indicate that this may not be the case.

If you walk a bit further uphill, you will find the small churches of St Sreda and St Bogorodica.

OKTISI

RANOHRISTIJANSKA BAZILIKA OKTISI

The excavations of this early Christian Basilica started in 1927. It is located on the grounds of theChurch

of St Nikola.

The basilica has a three naval shape, with narthex and a baptistery with a square basis. It dates from the

4th or 5th century.

According to some guides, there should bemosaicsof deer, horses, kanthroses (drinking cups), flowers,

trees and geometric ornamentation on the baptistery. The narthex should show a mosaic of a buildingwith four pillars with a scene of a kantharos, flanked by two birds drinking water. Between the pillars

hangs an icon lamp, and in front of the facade, there is a kantharos from which two lambs drink.

However, according to the woman living in the house opposite to the church, the mosaics have been

removed for protection and possible future display in a museum.

UPDATE 2012: We unexpectedly found themosaicsthat we did not see in 2009 when we visited Oktisi,

on display at theMemorial House of the Miladinov Brothersin Struga.

Isn't it great when you are surprised during your travels? In 2009 we visited the ruins of anEarly

Christian BasilicainOktisi,not far from Struga. The Bradt Guide Macedonia mentioned thatthere were some excellent examples of late Roman mosaics at this site. Unfortunately, there wereno mosaics at all, and we heard that they had been removed to be displayed in some museum. Of

course we were slightly disappointed but never gave the mosaics another thought...Until we

visited theMemorial House of the Miladinov Brothersin 2012, where the mosaics turned out to

be part of the exhibition!

This exposition is part of the Dr Nikola Nezlobinski Museum in Struga. The museum was
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founded in 1928 with the opening of the department of natural history and thepermanentzoological exhibit.In 1961 the archeological department was formed and in 1974 theVangel

Kodzoman Art Gallerywas opened.

The 20th centuryChurch of St Nicholasin Oktisi is built on the foundations of the early

Christian basilica, the drawing in one of the pictures shows where the basilica was located with

respect to the present church.

The mosaic was first discovered in mid 20th century and was dated to the late 4th century. Itsconservation and restoration started in 1990 under the supervision of our famous archaeologist

Dr. Vera Bitrakova-Grozdanova. She also wrote the following text in a booklet (2010) about themosaics that we obtained in the museum (the English translation is pretty hard to read):

The Early Christian basilica near the village Oktisi (some 15 km north of Struga) is known since1927, when on that holy ground the Church of St Nicholas was raised. During further

explorations in 1957/58, 1968 and 1990, a spacious building was discovered. The basilica is

with three naves with a narthex and exonarthex. On the southern side of the narthex the

baptisery is placed, cross-like in shape. On the northern side is the diaconicon.

The floors of the basilica were all covered in mosaics, except for the exonarthex. The buildingbelongs to the structures of the eastern Mediterranean Christian world.

In the polychromatic decoration of the mosaic carpets geometrical forms dominate: Circles,

squares, polygonal, triangles etc, with an impressive simplicity. In the nave a geometrical

decoration is executed, presenting fields filled with miniature details placed into square, triangleelements, etc, with concentric circles with stylized, three leafed vegetative motives, following the

calm line of the drawing. The whole nave is encircled along the sides with bordure of ivy leafs

and branches, whose leafs are embroidered with ocher, red and gray colored lining sub-

sequentially placed.

In the northern annex the same field with ivy is executed, while the central field is covered withrosette with consecutively colored leafs which form the sign of Christ.

The floor at the exonarthex which is relatively well preserved gives the dominant decoration,

summing the stylized geometrical forms and floral motives which surround the dominanticonographic wholeness, filled with Christian message. In large square fields four leafed rosettes

are implanted, with floral and geometrical motives with simple but strict linearity. Sometimes in

the fields forms of a cross are executed, achieved by the simple lining of the linear ornamentals

or by different coloring the fields. This kind of decorative order and program we don't see in thebasilicas of theOhridregion, and not even the motif of the ivy, which is frequently to be seen on

the mosaics from the 4th and 5th century in the region of Epirus and Macedonia.

But within the dominant polychromatic geometrization, in the central part of the narthex onesquare field is incorporated a rectangular field surrounded with fine double bordure. From the

sides vertically rectangular fields are executed with rhomboid elements, while in the middle of

the field architectural construction a facade is placed in style of tetrastyle, which central partrounds at the end.

The pillars of the tetrastyle, placed on basis end in Ionian style capitols with stylized line. Above
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the architrave, left and right of the rounded vault kantharos are placed with two birds drinkingfrom a spring, standing on stylized branches who just add to the nature's surrounding. On the

left of the inter columns a lantern hangs.

At the center of the educula, besides of the very bad state it is in, remains can be noticed of four

pillars with a baldachin above. In front of the whole object an Eucharistic scene is placed

kantharos and lambs or deers/ Similar illustrations on a tetrastyle with rounded central part,

with birds, candelabras and peacocks was discovered on mosaics at the Middle East in Hama, at

Mt Heaven in Jordan.

Adding to these illustrations as mosaics can be noted the depictions executed on the ampoules inwhich mire and similar was brought of the Holy Land, which today are preserved at Monza and

Bobino in Italy. On the led ampoules the Holy Grave from Jerusalem is depicted. The whole

central presentation in the narthex at the basilica is inspired by the outlook of the Grave ofChrist at Jerusalem.

Analyzing the stylistic features, as well as the geometrics' stylization, the appearance of some

architectural elements, with the analogue depictions found at eastern Iliric, as for exampleStobi,Athens, Appolonia, as well as the findings of coins at the excavations, this basilica with its

mosaics from Oktisi can be dated at the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 5th century.

Tourist Attractions

Strugais Macedonia's second largest summer tourist destination and historical-cultural center.

Struga is seat of Struga municipality.

According to the 2002 census, Struga had a population of approximetly 15,000. Struga situated

on the north-western shore of Ohrid Lake, at an altitude of 695 meters above the sea level. CrniDrim river flows from the Ohrid lake and divides Struga in two districts.

Struga is connected with the border Kjafasan (12 km) using the E-852 road on the west and thejunction with the E-65 international road is 7 km from Struga in the east, and connects this small

town with Ohrid (15 km) and Skopje (170 km).

The spirit of Struga is tender. Located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the city is laced with bridges,

dotted with delightful architecture, and linked by lanes. Everywhere its romantic soul is apparent.The Black Drim River flows through the heart of the city after it journeys from the springs near

St. Naum through Lake Ohrid. From Struga it continues across Albania to the Adriatic Sea. Once

known as "Enchalon" -Eel, Struga welcomes eels all the way from the Sargasso Sea. Nowadays,

Struga is better known for its annual international poetry festival, "The Struga Poetry Evenings".Poems are read from the bridges to add to their romance. Struga is the birthplace of the most

eminent representatives of the Macedonian culture and national revival in 19th century, the

brothers Constantine and Dimitar Miladinov. Since 1962 Constantine's famous poem "Longing

for the South", traditionally opens this major world poetry festival.

And, in the mountains to the north is the wildest festival of them all, the Vevchani Carnival,where anything goes! Many other villages in the mountains and along the lake offer memorable

experiences for visitors wishing to get off the beaten track and discover the rural charm of an

ancient land.
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Church of St. George

Built in 1835 over a much older church from the 16th century, the small church of St. George

stands in the centre of Struga. It contains frescos from the end of 19th century, but its real

treasure is a small gallery of icons from 13th to 19th century, including the well known icon ofSt. George painted in 1267. A long inscription on the back of the icon mentions "Struga of

Ohrid".

The Nature Museum

The Natural History Museum was founded in 1928 by Dr. Nikola Nezlobinski. Initially featuring

his own collection, it now contains a wide variety of insects, birds, fish, and animals from theOhrid & Prespa region.

Vangel Kodjoman Gallery

Vangel Kodjoman is one of the most prominent contemporary painters of Macedonia. Most of

his work has been dedicated to his land and people. His paintings show scenes of old houses

leaning over the narrow streets and a life that no longer exists. Some of his finest paintings arepermanently exhibited in this gallery located in the middle of Struga.

Black Drim River

The Black Drim River flows out from Lake Ohrid near the "Drim" hotel and continues all the

way to the Adriatic Sea. The banks of the river are an ideal place for romantic strolls. Each year,

at the end of August you can listen to poets from all over the world reciting poetry in dozens ofdifferent languages. It is an inspiring occasion.

Cave church Archangel Michael in Radozhda

In a natural cave on a steep rock above the village of Radozda is a church dedicated to Archangel

Michael. It is one of the oldest cave churches discovered on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Its frescos,

painted on the uneven wall of the cave, date back to the end of 13th century. A close examinationreveals the extraordinarily beautiful presentation of the Archangel Michael in the composition of

the Miracle of Cana. Nearby is a fishermen's village with excellent restaurants.

Cave churches in Kalishta

The small cave church of the Nativity of the Virgin, is situated high in the rocks on the western

shore of Lake Ohrid near the village of Kalista and close to a monastery complex. Entry into the

church is gained through a wall (which also provides the church's apse) into the natural space ofthe cave. The interor of the church was painted during the 15th or 16th century. Nearby, on a

steep cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid is another cave church, dedicated to St. Athanasios. The

natural opening of the cave has been used as a nave while the apse and the eastern wall are builtof craggy stones. An old painting in the church is attributed to the second half of the 14th or the

first half of the 15th century.


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Vishni

Located at the foot of the beautiful Jablanica Mountain about 10km northwest of Struga is the

pretty village of Visni. It is surrounded by a forest of beech and oak trees. The cave church of the

Holy Savior is a 3km walk from the village along a brook in a beautiful canyon. The fresco thatdecorates the wall and ceiling is dated from the end of 14th century.

Early christian basilica in Oktisi

Located near Vevcani in the mountain village of Oktisi is an ancient Christian basilica from the

end of 5th or the beginning of 6th century. The mosaic floor of the church is richly decorated

with representations of deer, horses, flowers, trees, and geometrical ornamentation.

Vevchani

Vevcani is a large village located 14 km northwest of Struga. It is built on a steep hillside andsheltered by a mountain. Its architecture is most appealing with many old houses and buildings

of all styles and shapes. The sound of water can be heard running through channels throughout

the village. It comes from the famous Vevcani Springs which have a water flow of between 400-4000 litres per second. Old water mills still grind corn, wheat and other grains as they have for

centuries. Walk through the rich chestnut tree forest, climb up to the village of Gorna Belica or

the glacial lakes.

Vajtosh

On the marked walking trails above Vevcani are the remains of the old Roman road, the ViaEgnatia. It goes through a beautiful forest to Vajtos, an ancient stopping place and vantage point

used by trade caravans traveling between the Adriatic coast and the Black Sea. The panoramic

view over the whole Lake Ohrid valley is spectacular.

Gorna Belica

Located 1,600 meters above the tree line and close to the Albanian border, the village of GornaBelica can be reached by driving, biking or walking from Struga, or by hiking from Vevcani.

Nowadays, only two elderly ladies live all year round in the village, although other residents visit

on weekends and holidays. The church of St. Petkai is undergoing restoration, but the two ladiesare happy to tell its story and that of the saint. The owners of some of the holiday houses offer

accommodation in their homes, and there is a modern hotel in the centre of the village.

Source.(opens in new window)
http://www.ohrid.com.mk/attractions/attractions.asp?ID=414http://www.ohrid.com.mk/attractions/attractions.asp?ID=414http://www.ohrid.com.mk/attractions/attractions.asp?ID=414

ostatoci na via egnatia vo makedonija

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