Icon Gallery, Ohrid

The Icon Gallery-Ohrid, nestled within the historical and architectural ensemble "Saint Clement" near the entrance of the church of the Holy Mother of God Peribleptos in Ohrid, is a prominent repository of Byzantine and Slavic icon art. Located close to other significant ecclesiastical sites such as the churches of Saint Demetrius and Saints Constantine and Helena, the gallery's building was originally constructed between 1845 and 1850 as a class school within the churchyard. It served various educational and cultural purposes through the years, evolving from a Greek educational institution in the mid-19th century to a Slavic school, a World War II-era city library, and a venue for the professional theatre of Ohrid.

Significantly revamped between 1981 and 1983, the building was transformed into a modern gallery that now houses an exceptional collection of icons, primarily from the 11th to the 19th centuries. This collection, previously displayed during the 12th Byzantologist's Congress in 1961, includes masterpieces of icon painting that rank alongside those from Mount Sinai, Mount Athos, and Russia. The icons are renowned for their artistic quality, coloristic refinement, and detailed representations of biblical scenes and figures.

Today, the Icon Gallery-Ohrid serves not only as a treasure trove of medieval art but also as an educational and cultural hub that allows visitors and experts from around the world to experience the splendor of Orthodox Christian art. Through international exhibitions, the beauty of the Ohrid icons has been showcased globally, affirming their place as one of the finest collections of religious art.