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Republic of North Macedonia
Southwestern Region
Ohrid
Things to Do in Ohrid
St. Jovan Kaneo
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St. Jovan Kaneo

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See all things to do
St. Jovan Kaneo
4.5
859 reviews
#3 of 42 things to do in Ohrid
Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
95 within 3 miles
Kaj Kanevche
415
453 ft$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Eastern European
Kaneo
612
388 ft$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • European
Via Sacra
139
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Restoran sveta sofija
323
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Eastern European
Damar
275
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Eastern European
Villa&Winery Mal Sv.Kliment
82
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Wine Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Restaurant Kajche
17
0.3 miEuropean
Plaza Kaneo
12
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Cafe • Mediterranean
Pizza Via Sacra
43
0.3 mi$ • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Beach Restaurant Potpes
125
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • European
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Attractions
32 within 6 miles
Plaoshnik
245
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Chinar Tree
1
0.1 miHistoric Sites
Tsar Samuel's Fortress
804
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Saint Climent of Ohrid
239
0.3 miReligious Sites
Lake Ohrid
2,185
0.5 miBodies of Water
Holy Mary Perybleptos
164
0.4 miChurches & Cathedrals
National Workshop For Handmade Paper
158
0.4 miSpeciality Museums
Ancient Theatre of Ohrid
261
0.4 miTheaters
Saint Varvara
3
0.3 miChurches & Cathedrals
National Ohrid Museum - Robevci House
90
0.4 miSpeciality Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
859 reviews
Excellent
573
Very good
249
Average
32
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Jayneuk
Worcester, UK10 contributions
Got inside, at last!
Dec 2020
I often walk to this iconic church, the surroundings & views of the lake are unparralled but, in two years, the door has always been locked but this time, it was open, I suspect to give access to workmen who were repairing the roof. It is very beautiful inside but I had left my guidebook at home so was not able to date anything nor identify the icons. For visiting any historical site in Ohrid, especially in Ohrid, "Explore Ohrid" by Misho Jusmeski is essential as it is the only truly comprehensive guide book currently available.
Written January 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joyce261
14126710188 contributions
Include on your trip
Apr 2022 • Couples
The journey to the church is very picturesque and offers great views across the lake. The grounds of the church are easy to navigate. History is described In English. Boatmen hover and provide transport to the town by boat.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sal Schmidt
Brazil4,290 contributions
Best views over Lake Ohrid
Apr 2021
This grand historic Orthodox church has the best views in Ohrid, perched high up on the cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid.

A short easy walk up to the church and you are in your own peaceful oasis to soak up the picturesque views, if you fancy you can take a picnic and enjoy the surroundings as there is seating areas.

It was built during the 13th century and located just above Kaneo beach, only 10 minute walk from the heart of the old town, Ohrid. Also know as Church of St John of Kaneo.

Very insta worthy, and great spot to capture special moments and would be a perfect spot for a beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Written April 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim H
Chisinau, Moldova3,143 contributions
Church on Cliffs Overlooking Lake Ohrid
May 2021
Located on a natural platform of rocks that naturally rises above Lake Ohrid. It dates from the end of the 13th century. You can see St. Jovan Kaneo from the boardwalk areas from a distance- a beautiful sight. Viewing the church in the day or night is a treat. It's popular for people having meals, taking in the views, or just having peaceful conversations. This is a must see!!!
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tikicici2
Old Bridge, NJ221 contributions
impressive, simple and elegant.
Oct 2021
the Monastery is impressive, simple and elegant. this is my favorite place from all places. its quiet, people are friendly and full of history. very good for prayers. the frescoes are amazing. Note: the Church is 20m from city center and its not an easy walk once you get to the location.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ronald L
Denver, CO2,916 contributions
Very Picturesque Location
Oct 2022
Worked our way up the hill to the fort and then down to Church of St John at Kaneo. Church at this location from 4th century but current church from 10th century. Costs 150 MKD to enter the church. Half the fun is getting to the church. Can also see if from a boat.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TheFlyingLundi
Helsinki, Finland127 contributions
Great picturesque view
If you are in Ohrid. Don't miss the chance to view this church. You can either reach it after having visited the castle or by walking next to the water behind Sv Sofija. From either way it should take 20 min. The view was really spectacular (if good weather of course). Great place to take some pictures. And there are some bars and restaurants in the neighborhood to enjoy the site! It is also possible to take a boat tour. The entrance fee for the church is 100 denar.
Written May 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jasonand1978
Portland, OR200 contributions
Best from the outside!
Jul 2016 • Solo
Let's get this out of the way. The church itself is tiny......and very dark inside. It's not really worth paying to go inside, there's better churches for that in Ohrid.

However.....going here is a must when visiting Ohrid. This was the best place I saw in Macedonia. The views over the lake are drop dead gorgeous, and walking here after dinner to take in the sunset over the mountains and looking down at the beautiful water below is truly a gratifying experience. Perhaps very spiritual as well. Spending some time here with a dinner picnic......it was a pretty heartfelt moment contemplating life hundreds of years ago and picturing the priests walking the grounds. Coming here will move you.

I went here about 3 times on my visit, just couldn't get enough. It's beautiful, and the pine scented forest behind the church smells wonderful. Just try to ignore the guys hanging around offering boat trips......kind of annoying.

Extra tip: Be careful on the trail getting to the church. They're doing a lot of construction in the area and the trails are being worked on. Some rough areas.
Written March 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ezh E
Boston166 contributions
Getting to Sveti Jovan Kaneo without all that climbing
Oct 2016 • Couples
You can get to Sveti Jovan Kaneo without all that uphill and downhill climbing. There is a path along the lake. Here's how to find it:

Go to the church Sveta Sofija in the old city. it's on your tourist list, and you get there without a lot of climbing.

After visiting Sveta Sofija: Face the door you used to get into Sveta Sofija. Now go around the end of the church on your left. (You have to go outside the stone fence around the church.) Keep going along the side of the church, with the church on your right. About even with the back of the church, there will be a turn towards the lake. Follow that, and you will be on the path.

The path ends at the beach of Kaneo. Walk along that. You have one group of steps and the end of the beach to climb to get up to the level of the church Sveti Jovan Kaneo.
Written September 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marko D
Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia13 contributions
The best place in Ohrid
Feb 2017
My favorite place in Ohrid. If you are visiting Ohrid than you must go here. A quiet and relaxing place with a great view of the lake. The best period of the day to be here is in the afternoon, when you can enjoy the sunset.
Written February 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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St. Jovan Kaneo, Ohrid

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