Kratovo, a town in northeastern Macedonia, lies in the heart of an extinct volcano’s crater.
It is one of the oldest towns in Macedonia and the Balkans, through which flows the Kratovska River and three smaller tributaries.
According to the 2021 census, Kratovo has 5,791 residents.
Several theories explain the origin of the name Kratovo. One interpretation is that it comes from its volcanic ground, located in a crater.
Another legend says the name comes from the words “kirat-ova,” tied to a fortress on the Kratovska River destroyed by the Ottomans.
During Byzantine times, the town was known as Koritos or Koriton.
Kratovo is mentioned as early as the 6th century BC in Homer’s epic The Iliad. Coins from the reign of Audoleon of Paeonia (315–285 BC) have been found here, showing its ancient role in trade and mining of gold, silver, and copper.
In medieval times, Kratovo developed as a mining town of great importance. Its Literary School and the nearby Monastery of St. Gabriel of Lesnovo were active cultural centers, copying manuscripts and creating new religious texts between the 12th and 14th centuries.
In the second half of the 14th century, Kratovo came under Ottoman rule. By the 16th and 17th centuries, it had become a significant regional center.
However, after the Austro–Ottoman War of 1689–1690 and the Karpoš Uprising, the town was devastated, and its mines were closed. By the 19th century, mining had shifted to Zletovo, leaving Kratovo without its main source of wealth.
Kratovo is a living museum of Macedonian tradition. Its narrow cobblestone streets, carved balconies, and stone houses preserve the soul of the past. The town’s towers and bridges are iconic symbols and cultural monuments that connect generations.
Kratovo was famous for its towers — once numbering as many as 13, the largest being the Simić Tower.
Built with stone and wood, the old houses represent a perfect blend of durability and tradition. Kratovo’s bridges across its rivers add to the unique atmosphere of the town.
Kratovo’s cuisine reflects warmth and hospitality. Some specialties include:
Every meal here feels like a celebration shared with family and neighbors.
Despite its size, Kratovo has a strong sports tradition. The football club FK Sileks is one of the most recognized in Macedonian football, carrying the town’s name with pride for decades. Sport here is more than a game—it is identity, discipline, and hope for the youth.
Kratovo is more than a small town—it is history, pride, and memory carved in stone.
Wherever you may be in the world, Kratovo and Macedonia remain your true home.
