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 The
National Park Galičica is located in the Ohrid-Prespa region, the most
important tourist region in Macedonia. Besides the mountain Galičica , the park
encompasses areas of the shores of both lakes. That is to say the shore line of
the Prespa Lake from the location Sirhan near Oteševo and the border, extending
to the west part of the lake, to the town Golem Grad, which is also included
within the National Park. In the south from the island, to the Macedonian-Albanian border in the east corner of the Ohrid Lake and in the west from the
Macedonian-Albanian border to the east coast of the Ohrid Lake, the border
separates from the coast and goes to the mountain Galičica.
Particularly distinctive are the relief characteristics
of this region: the high mountain peaks which often exceed 2,00 m. (the Magaro
peak being 2,254 m), the afforested areas at a height between 1,564 m and 1,984
m, and in the higher areas, the large pastures with numerous herds which are a
special ornament of the mountain landscapes. The National Park Galičica also
includes a large number of impressive caves, - a geographical reminder of the
Glacial Epoch, as well as a special attraction for the tourists.
The climatic features of this region are very pleasant
and present one of the most significant preconditions for development of the
tourism in the National Park. At the height of 1,300 m, it has a
moderate-continental climate, amended by the influence of the lakes and the
Mediterranean climate which penetrates along the valley of the river Crni Drim.
In the higher areas, it changes to a typical 'mountain' climate, which in
localities exceeding 2,000 m develops into a "higher-mountain" climate.
The hydrological features of the park, are
one of its most significant components, considering the fact that the park
encompasses a large extent of the shoreline areas of the lakes. The river
courses of the park are smaller. Of special attraction to the tourists are the
powerful karst springs near the monastery St. Naum. They are the springs of the
river Crni Drim and they are characterized by their unique beauty.
 In
the area encompassed within the park, there is a diverse range of flora. On
Galičica, there are endemic species, specific only to that mountain. Also,
there are some species of flora, which can be found on other mountains in the
Balkans, but nowhere else in Macedonia. The vegetation in the park consists of
two groups: forest communities and communities of the alpine and sub-alpine
pastures, rich with endemic and relic species. The forests in terms of the
quality, represent significant natural wealth. They belong to the zone of
deciduous forests, divided into three categories: forests of eastern and white
hornbeam, beech and pomegranate forests.
The fauna in the park area is also
interesting in its diversity and particular to individual areas of the park. The
first natural area is the shoreline region of both lakes. In the Ohrid Lake,
there are 50 relic and endemic species of snails and several types of fish -
trout, plašica, barbell, (ken-Scualius Cephalus). In the deeper lake waters,
there are also some other fish species. The island Golem Grad has very diverse
and interesting fauna. In the forests lives the big cormorant and its presence
is a major attraction for the tourists. There are a lot of other bird species:
such as the heron, the big cave bird and the big swallow. The second natural
area with specific fauna is the forest zone of the mountain, settled with
reptiles, 57 bird species and 12 types of larger mammals. The third area is the
higher-mountain zone, above the forest zone, which is poorer in micro-fauna.
"Map of the National Park & view of Ohrid
above the coastal village Peštani"
 The lake and the mountain areas in the
National Park Galičica are especially attractive for their beauty and natural
wealth. Especially attractive is the area surrounding the monastery St. Naum,
where the springs of the river Crni Drim are located. With its lower slopes
reaching the edge of the lake the mountain Galičica provides vistas of
extraordinary beauty. Prespa Lake with its clear water and the clean sandy
beaches also presents a very picturesque landscape. Especially attractive is the
island Golem Grad and the shallow bays near the village Konjsko, with their
small beaches. The mountain areas of Galičica, especially the higher peaks,
such as the peak Magaro at the height of 2,254 m, provide ideal opportunities
for panoramic views of both lakes.
Of the numerous cultural monuments in the park area, with
their historical and artistic value, especially significant are the churches St.
Spas and St. Holy Mother Zahumska from the 14th century, the
Monastery St. Naum and several cave churches such as St. Holy Mother in the
village of Peštani and the church St. Petar on the island Golem Grad. The
village Konjsko is known for its specific rural architecture. |
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