National Workshop for Handmade Paper
Witness ancient paper-making techniques and a rare Gutenberg press replica in Ohrid. A free, living history experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See paper made live
National Workshop for Handmade Paper
Best Time
See paper made live
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness ancient paper-making techniques and a rare Gutenberg press replica in Ohrid. A free, living history experience.
"An amazing place and living history; every visitor should stop by this workshop."
Free Admission!
:moneywithwings: Entry is free, but buying handmade paper is a great souvenir.
Watch the Magic Unfold
:artist_palette: Observe the fascinating paper-making process and Gutenberg press demonstrations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Handmade Paper Demonstration
Witness the intricate process of creating paper from cherry trees using traditional methods. A truly mesmerizing display of craftsmanship.
Gutenberg Press Replica
See a rare, 15th-century replica of the Gutenberg printing press and even get a custom print made.
Unique Souvenirs
Take home a piece of history with beautifully crafted handmade paper, postcards, or prints.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Living History
Free Entry, Priceless Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission!
:moneywithwings: Entry is free, but buying handmade paper is a great souvenir.
Watch the Magic Unfold
:artist_palette: Observe the fascinating paper-making process and Gutenberg press demonstrations.
Chat with the Artisans
:speech_balloon: The friendly staff are happy to explain the techniques and history.
Unique Gifts
:gift: Handmade paper and prints make for memorable, historical souvenirs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission!
:moneywithwings: Entry is free, but buying handmade paper is a great souvenir.
Watch the Magic Unfold
:artist_palette: Observe the fascinating paper-making process and Gutenberg press demonstrations.
Chat with the Artisans
:speech_balloon: The friendly staff are happy to explain the techniques and history.
Unique Gifts
:gift: Handmade paper and prints make for memorable, historical souvenirs.
Learn Local History
:books: Discover Ohrid's rich heritage through its paper-making industry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Workshop for Handmade Paper as an amazing, living history experience. The free entry, fascinating demonstrations of traditional paper-making, and the rare Gutenberg press replica are major highlights. The friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the visit, making it a worthwhile stop for unique souvenirs and cultural insight.
"It was fun to see how paper was made in the olden days. If you have history buffs in the family, they'll appreciate a souvenir printed with a historically accurate replica of the Gutenberg press"
Sanne Boonstra
"It's an amazing place and living history. Every macedonian and foreign visitor should stop by this workshop. They make paper in the old ways using the Gutenberg press from the 15th century. According to the owner, there are only three of them like it in Europe. One is in Germany, where it originated from, of course, and the other two are in Slovenia and in Ohrid, Macedonia. The entrance is free,they make the paper in front of you also for free, so you lose nothing but your time and get so much in return. The owner is very friendly. It was an amazing experience to see papar being made in real time. Any lover of culture should visit. The prices for the paper are reasonable for a piece of history and worth it.
Update two years later. Still a beautiful place to visit, the business is going strong even after 170 years since it first started. The owner is really friendly and kind and great to listen to explain the process of paper making and printing on it using the Gutenberg printing press. I’d suggest you buy something from the shop. This kind of cultural and historic heritage should outlast us all."
Filip Trajkovski
"It was fascinating to see how paper is made, and the two workers were very friendly, taking the time to explain everything in detail. If you choose to buy any of the paper (whether painted or plain) you also receive a stamp showing it was made there, which adds such a special touch. I would highly recommend visiting, as it makes for a truly unique and memorable souvenir to take home."
Yana Su
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The workshop is located in the old town of Ohrid, making it easily accessible on foot as part of your exploration. Many visitors discover it during walking tours of the historic center.
Parking in Ohrid's old town can be challenging. It's best to park in designated areas outside the pedestrian zone and walk to the workshop.
Information on wheelchair accessibility is limited, but given its historic location, it's advisable to contact the workshop directly for specific details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance to the workshop is free! You can watch the demonstrations and learn about the process without any charge.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daytime hours. It's recommended to check for the most current times before your visit.
No advance booking is required as the entry is free and it's a walk-in experience.
Yes, you can purchase beautiful handmade paper, prints, and other unique souvenirs directly from the workshop.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can witness live demonstrations of traditional paper-making techniques, see a replica of the Gutenberg press, and learn about the history of paper production in Ohrid.
Absolutely! You can see a rare replica of the 15th-century Gutenberg press and even get custom prints made on the handmade paper.
A visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you spend watching the demonstrations and interacting with the staff.
Yes, the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, happy to explain the entire process and share insights into Ohrid's history. +1
Yes, children often find the demonstrations fascinating. It's a great educational experience for families.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can buy unique handmade paper, postcards, custom prints made on the Gutenberg press, and other artisanal paper products.
Prices are considered reasonable for a piece of history and a unique handmade item.
Yes, you can get custom prints made on the handmade paper using the Gutenberg press replica.
When you purchase paper, it often comes with a special stamp indicating it was made at the workshop, adding to its uniqueness.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
+1 Witnessing the 15th-century Gutenberg press replica and understanding its impact on the spread of knowledge is a profound experience. 🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Handmade Paper
+1 The workshop continues this legacy by using traditional methods, often involving materials like cherry trees, to create unique sheets of paper. +1 Visitors are treated to a live demonstration, offering a rare opportunity to see the meticulous steps involved in transforming raw materials into beautiful, textured paper. This hands-on insight into an age-old craft is a highlight for many. This traditional technique is a stark contrast to modern industrial paper production, emphasizing the value of skilled craftsmanship and natural materials. The resulting paper is not just a writing surface but a piece of art in itself, often sought after for its unique character and historical significance.
The Gutenberg Press: A Printing Revolution
The workshop boasts one of only a few such replicas in Europe, with others reportedly in Germany and Slovenia. This isn't just a static display; it's a functional piece of history that visitors can interact with. The ability to get a personalized print made on the spot adds a tangible connection to the past. It allows visitors to appreciate the ingenuity of Gutenberg's design and the impact it had on the world, all within the charming setting of Ohrid.
Ohrid's Historical Significance
The paper-making industry has been a part of Ohrid's identity since the 16th century, contributing to its economic and cultural development. +1 Visiting the workshop provides a direct link to this industrial heritage, offering a deeper understanding of the town's past. The workshop is situated within the charming old town, allowing visitors to easily combine their visit with exploring other historical sites like ancient churches and fortresses.
The very building housing the workshop often reflects the traditional Ohrid architecture, further immersing visitors in the historical atmosphere. It's a place where you can feel the pulse of history, connecting with the skills and innovations that shaped this ancient city. 
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