Kratovo: Discover Culture and Landscape

• The Clock Tower is one of six surviving towers dating from the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period.
• The Kratovo City Museum was founded in 1993 and has ethnological, archaeological and historical departments, as well as a conservation department established later.
• The Grofchanski Bridge was built in the early 18th century.
• Kuklici, also known as Stone Dolls, is located near Kratovo and features more than 100 naturally formed stone pillars.

The towers and bridges offer different ways to explore the city’s architectural history. Alongside the Clock Tower, the Simikj Tower is one of the most notable historic buildings. It houses a permanent exhibition on the 1689 Karposh Uprising, the “Undiscovered testimony” exhibition and a souvenir shop.

Kratovo’s best-known historic bridges include Rada’s Bridge, Grofcanski Bridge, Bazaar Bridge, Yorkshire Bridge, Argulicki Bridge and Gornomaalski Bridge. A legend is associated with Rada’s Bridge: Rada is said to have been buried alive in the bridge’s foundations. This should be understood as a legend, not as a documented historical event. The Grofchanski Bridge, built in the early 18th century, is another example of historic bridge architecture.

The Kratovo City Museum was founded in 1993. Its departments focus on ethnological, archaeological and historical subjects; a conservation department was added later. This brings different perspectives on history and material heritage together within the museum. The Simikj Tower is also associated with exhibitions: it houses a permanent exhibition on the 1689 Karposh Uprising and “Undiscovered testimony.”

For the broader Kratovo destination, it is also worth noting that the City Museum has exhibitions in the Clock Tower and the Simićeva Tower. At 21.80 metres, the Simićeva Tower is the tallest tower in Kratovo. Kratovo’s Old Town is protected as cultural heritage of particular importance.

Kuklici, also known as Stone Dolls, is located near Kratovo. More than 100 naturally formed stone pillars have been shaped there by erosion over thousands of years. The site offers a natural contrast to the city’s towers and bridges, with geological formations taking centre stage.

The wider Kratovo destination also includes the Kuklica geological reserve, where petrified trees have been found. Kuklica Kratovo is included on North Macedonia’s list of protected areas. Cocev Kamen is located in the territory of the village of Shopsko Rudare. Two larger hollows in the rock resemble vaulted rock shelters; they are about 8–10 m long, 3–4 m wide and 4–6 m high. Cocev Kamen also has anthropogenic significance because of its settlement history and archaeological importance dating from the Neolithic and Late Antiquity.

The broader Kratovo destination also has a distinctive natural setting: it lies in the crater of an extinct volcano and features deep river valleys and steep slopes. Together with the historic buildings, this gives you a choice between cultural and natural highlights.

The municipal strategy for 2020–2024 lists the international folklore festival “Razigrano Kratovo” as taking place annually on 10 June. Check the date for your travel year before making plans. The broader Kratovo destination also includes the Church of St John the Baptist, also known as Sveti Jovan Preteča. It is Kratovo’s main church and cathedral and belongs to the building tradition of Andreja Damjanov’s group of master builders.

Which exhibitions are housed in the Simikj Tower?

The Simikj Tower houses a permanent exhibition on the 1689 Karposh Uprising, the “Undiscovered testimony” exhibition and a souvenir shop.

Which bridges is Kratovo known for?

The best-known historic bridges include Rada’s Bridge, Grofcanski Bridge, Bazaar Bridge, Yorkshire Bridge, Argulicki Bridge and Gornomaalski Bridge. A legend associated with Rada’s Bridge says that Rada was buried alive in its foundations.

What makes Kuklici special?

Kuklici, also known as Stone Dolls, is located near Kratovo. It has more than 100 naturally formed stone pillars, shaped by erosion over thousands of years.

When does “Razigrano Kratovo” take place?

The municipal strategy for 2020–2024 lists 10 June as the annual date of the international folklore festival. Confirm the date for your travel year before making plans.

For the broader travel overview: Kratovo.