About this place
Only a few minutes from Pogradec, at the southern end of the lake, the Monastery of Saint Naum is one of the most rewarding excursions you can make while staying in the city. Although it is very close, the monastery lies in North Macedonia; traveling there by car requires crossing at the Tushemisht–Saint Naum border checkpoint, so remember to bring valid travel documents. The complex rises above a rocky lakeshore with sweeping views across the water. Around the year 900, Saint Naum built a church here dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and after his death in 910 he was buried in a chapel within it. The present church was constructed in several phases during the 16th and 17th centuries over the foundations of the earlier building. Inside, visitors can see frescoes painted in 1806, a finely carved and gilded iconostasis dating from 1711, and the saint’s tomb—the spiritual heart of the monastery. The experience extends far beyond its history. Peacocks wander freely through the courtyard, while exceptionally clear, cold springs emerge beside the complex and flow into the lake. A small boat ride across the springs, lunch beside the water, or simply a quiet walk through the gardens makes this an ideal half-day escape. Few places bring together history, nature, and tranquility so beautifully—and for anyone visiting Pogradec, Saint Naum is a destination not to be missed.