Kratovo

(Macedonian: Кратово)

Kratovo is a small picturesque town in Macedonia, one of the regions` living museums. It is a seat of the Kratovo municipality. It lies on the western slopes of mount Osogovo at an altitude of 600m above sea level. Having a mild and pleasant climate, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. It is famous by its bridges.

• Number of inhabitants: 10.441, Kratovo itself 6.924
• Area: 375,44 sq. km
• Geographic position: 42.4° N, 22.10° E
• Climate: Continental
• Average temperature:
• Time zone: Central European Time (GMT +1)
• Postal Code: 1360
• Local area code: 031

Though the people of Kratovo don’t like to recognise the fact that their little town is someway far from the “main roads”, the truth cannot be avoided. But, if you happen to be there they are always ready to make you a very nice Macedonian dish with all the specialities characterising this area, escorted by their honest hospitality.

Kratovo was known even in the Roman period as an important mining center under the name of Cratiscara, primarily due to the rich mining sites in the area. During the Byzantine period, Kratovo is mentioned as Koritos or Koriton. At that time, Kratovo was a significant trade center for gold, silver, and copper.

During the reign of the Serbian noblemen in 1282, Kratovo had become a mining centre, thanks to the experienced Saxon, i.e. from Saxony or, presumably, from Flanders, miners who came to activate the mine. The importance of Kratovo can be judged through the visit of Sultan Murat who together with his army headed towards Kosovo, but stayed in Kratovo in order to visit the already famous town of gold and silver.

The mining exploitation continued, until the Karposh's Rebellion in 1689, when the town was devastated and the mine closed. In 1805 the mine was rented by Ali-Beg Majdemdzija and the work continued. According to the writings of Amu Bue, the town had 56,000 inhabitants 1836. Until the end of the 19th century the town rapidly stagnated and the once most beautiful "?arsija", with goldsmith and silversmith shops, decayed.

Today's Kratovo has many characteristics of the past times. Once there were 12 towers, but now one can notice six towers which primarily served miners, chiefs and guards. The Kratovo bridges are another characteristic of this town made by old masters. The town has unique and interesting architecture from the 19th century and a unique Art gallery of children's drawings, with pictures by Kratovo children which have won numerous prices at different international exhibitions. Currently many organizations are working on rebuilding the city. One of the most valiant of these efforts comes from a the University of Florida Engineering Without Borders program who are currently working on the development of a sustainable solid waste system to aid the efforts of Macedonia in attaining recognition in the European Union.

You will not find such big sport enthusiasts in one little place like Kratovo, anywhere in the world. They are proud of their soccer team, almost all the habitants are connected to their loving Sileks. They will show you their area if you come here on your bike, accompanying you everywhere you’d like to go, they will follow you on your walking tour on Osogovo, you’ll certainly find a lot of friends here.

Be prepare to search for it, and don’t be so much disappointed if the results are poor. You’re in the middle of nowhere after all, although you may find at least something in the summertime.

• By car: 95 km east from Skopje, under Osogovo Mountain
• By plane: www.airports.com.mk (Skopje)
• By bus: www.sas.com.mk (Skopje)
• By train: No railway to Kratovo

The Dolls Valley, near the same name village, volcanic rock forms that will stop your breath for one moment.