Gorno Lakocherej

Monastery St Spas in Gorno Lakocherej
St Spas Monastery

The beautiful Monastery of St Spas with its well kept grounds is located above the village Gorno (Upper) Lakocherej. It is a working monastery where you can rent a room for only 5 euros per night (price in 2020). This definitely is a well hidden gem because I had not heard of this monastery during more than 15 years of visits to Ohrid. I accidentally noticed it on the digital OpenStreetMap in 2020.

Church St Spas of the Monastery of St Spas in Gorno Lakocherej
St Spas

The Church of St Spas on the monastery grounds dates back to the 15th century and was fresco-painted in 1971.

We got a very nice tour of the lodging houses by the caretaker of the monastery. There are special meeting rooms and bed rooms for church officials. In addition, there is a huge kitchen and dining hall.

After the tour we were invited to have some drinks with the other guests. This must be a great place to stay, only about 20 minutes by car from Ohrid. Reservations can be made by phone (probably in Macedonian only): 077-899580. Location: 41°10’53.5″N 20°47’31.9″E

Church of St Ilija in Gorno Lakocherej in Macedonia
St Ilija

Along the way from Gorno Lakocherej to the Monastery of St Spas you will pass the Church of St Ilija. It was still under construction in 2020. Location: N41° 10′ 57.8″ E20° 47′ 56.4″.

Church of St John the Baptist in Gorno Lakocherej in Macedonia
St John the Baptist

The small church dedicated to St John the Baptist was closed when we visited. Location: N41° 10′ 03.6″ E20° 48′ 28.5″.

The new Church of St Atanasij is located a bit further down the same road and was also closed. Location: N41° 09′ 51.3″ E20° 48′ 41.9″.

Church of St Atanasij in Gorno Lakocherej
St Atanasij

There is another church in Gorno Lakocherej, dedicated to St Nikola, which we unfortunately missed.

While you are in the neighborhood, you can also have a visit to the Church of St Nedela in Dolno (Lower) Lakocherej. The church of St Nedela contains some interesting spolia (repurposed building stones).