Skrebatno is a small village about 12 km by car from Ohrid. According to a sign at the entrance of Skrebatno evidence about its existence dates back to 1582. It had 655 inhabitants in 1853. According to the national census of 2002, the village had a total of only 6 inhabitants. Indeed, it seems that most houses are abandoned. A sign pointing to the houses on the picture says that you can buy fresh honey there!
Skrebatno is famous for the monastery and church St Bogorodica, or St Mother of God. The church likely dates back to the 16th century.
There are several old graves around the church.
There is a big event on August 28th, the day when the Great Mother of God is celebrated, and people from Ohrid and the surrounding villages gather here to celebrate. A century old custom is the lunch provided by the church. The lunch is a broth with sheep meat and bread. About 5,000 people are served during this event, and they sit on the well maintained field around the church. Unfortunately, I was never there.
The church itself was closed when we were there. You could try the phone-number of the caretaker that was on the door (072-745616) and see if the church can be opened. The location is definitely good for a picnic, there are benches and a spring with drinkable water near the church.
We did two hikes that also include these church grounds: One from Velgosti to the Church of St Bogorodica in Skrebatno (18 km) and the other hike is from Skrebatno to the Istok (East) peak in Galicica National Park (18 km).
A bit downhill from the Church of St Bogorodica, this recently built small church can be found along the road to the village.
My Macedonia Blog 