With its old town architecture Kratovo represents a monument for itself and a town museum! The distinction of the town architecture demonstrates the craftsmanship of the constructors from Kratovo, that in their buildings have shown the practical and aesthetic connection of the traditional way of life in this town. As an ancient town, Kratovo abounds in cultural historic heritage. In the relatively small area on which the town is outspread, one will see many of the medieval monuments. You will be fascinated by the impressive and characteristic towers, bridges, the houses with typical traditional Macedonian architecture, many of the town fountains, the archaeological localities around the town such as the fortress “Golemo Gradishte” and the Early Christian basilica Rotonda in the village of Konjuh, and the reserve of the rocky art near the village of Trnovac. All of them will speak to the antiquity of this town. The Zlatkova Tower is one of the six Medieval towers that have remained and are defying time. In the past, there were 13 towers. This tower whispers of life in the town in the Middle Ages and represents a significant cultural and historical example of the town life from that time. Their preserved underground halls are unique in Macedonia and inside them are the most beautiful stories about the town and the characters that lived here. Kratovo is also known by its old bridges that are captivating with their unique building expression. On Charshiski, Grofchanski or Jokchiski, Argulichki and Radin bridge visitors will for a moment feel the stories and the legends of these bridges. You will experience the whole story of the town through the craftsman’s shops in Ajduchki bazaar. All the roads are being merged here. Well known for its beauty throughout the centuries, the town bazaar is abundant with old crafts until today – pottery, tinsmith’s craft, blacksmith’s craft, tailor’s craft, makers of peasant moccasins, silversmiths, farriers, and saddle makers.
Rotunda in Konjuh – an archaeological site from the early Christian period, where the remains of an unusual ranzho-Byzantine church in form of rotunda (oval church) were found. According to archaeological findings, the rotunda dates from the 6th century, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. The dimensions of the building suggest the rotunda was the central temple of a great and magnificent ancient city.
Volcanic Forms
South of Kokino towards the Kratovo area are a dozen prominent bowls and craters, among which are those related to Stracin, easily observed and monitored by the asphalt road Corridor 8. Also especially important to mention are the remains of a crater near the village Kuklica. Here in the volcanic material near the Kriva River, a unique phenomenon of earthen pyramids occurred under the influence of wind and precipitation. There are about 150 stone pillars built of turf, reaching heights of 4 to 10 meters. Some of the columns are formed so that they resemble human figures and due to this appearance, the locals called it “Merry Wedding” (Milevsky, 2000).
The pillars (dolls) are associated numerous legends and traditions in the area. However, the appearance is quite sensitive to the influence of man, and because of this it is protected by law and declared a national monument. Due to volcanic activity, all this space is characterized by large, hard rock masses and blocks, as with the Stone Cocev. Shopsko Miner. The big block of volcanic ridges has long been observed and used by man, who reworked and adapted it from prehistoric times to now.
Around Kratovo, meanwhile, are more prominent volcanic cones, towering several hundred meters. Especially interesting are Zdravcho Stone, with its imposing appearance, and the steep sides at Sofia River and Povishnica, along with Black Peak which notes a relic of the crater. Because of the beautiful view and the availability, the two hills are often used for picnics. The city is situated in Kratovo volcanic depression-like crater, which is a rare example in Europe and beyond. In its immediate vicinity are the remains of petrified lava stone balls or volcanic bombs, stone pillars and so on (Milevsky, 2005).
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