南西部の天然記念物・トップ19

西ヨーロッパ人にとって、ガリシアという名前を聞くと、まずスペイン北西部にある、主にサンティアゴ・デ・コンポステーラ（使徒聖ヤコブ大王の墓がある）という有名な巡礼地で知られる地域を思い浮かべるでしょう。しかし、ここにも同じ名前があり、国立公園の名前として使われています。ウェブサイト mazedonien.de は次のように書いています。 「マケドニア南西部に位置するガリチカ国立公園は、最高峰マカロ（標高2255メートル）から、同時に美しいオフリド湖とプレスパ湖のユニークな眺めを楽しむことができます。この山々は、クマ、オオヤマネコ、オオカミなどの希少な動物の生息地でもありますが、公園には多くの鳥類、爬虫類、両生類、そして植物や木々も生息しています。この公園は1999年1月1日に「ビストリツァ・マカリタ国立公園」という名前で設立されましたが、2008年3月にガリチカ国立公園に名称を変更しました…」 （出典：https://mazedonien.de/trekking-natur/galicica-nationalpark/ ）

For Western Europeans, the name Galicia first brings to mind the region in northwestern Spain best known for the famous pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela (with the tomb of the Apostle James the Greater). But the name also appears here, as the name of a national park. The website mazedonien.de writes: "Galičica National Park, in the southwestern part of North Macedonia, has its highest peak, Magaro, at 2,255 meters above sea level, from where you can enjoy a unique view of the two beautiful lakes, Ohrid and Prespa. The mountains are also home to several rare animals such as bears, lynx, and wolves, but the park also harbors many birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as plants and trees. The park was established on January 1, 1999, under the name 'Bistritsa-Magarita National Park,' but it changed its name to Galičica National Park in March 2008..." (Source: https://mazedonien.de/trekking-natur/galicica-nationalpark/)

We met a local resident there who was kind enough to show us everything.

Please note that a passport is required for this hike because you have to cross the border with North Macedonia. We left them at the hotel and had to turn back!

We decide to go for a walk here, a beautiful walk through the forest of 2.5 km. On the way we come across a very small church (Church of Holy Mother of God) that lies against the source of Lake Ohrid. The water here is very clear and the vegetation on the bottom is very beautiful to see. We walk on and come across the next church (Church of Saint Athanasius). Here are also the homes of the nuns/brothers and the caretaker. Unfortunately the church is closed, but then the caretaker comes running to open the church especially for us! He gives some explanation about the church and officially we were not allowed to take pictures, but for this time he allowed it. Very beautiful church too, very richly decorated.

The drinking fountain is located below the old plane tree in the oriental area.

A beautiful little chapel at one of the springs of Lake Ohrid. The interior of the chapel reflects this. The exterior is also beautifully designed.

Clear water makes Lake Ohrid a truly beautiful lake. Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in Europe and at the center of historical developments.