KRATOVO

Kratovo Kratovo 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. This old town was known as a mining centre by the Romans, who used to call it Kratiskara. As a town settlement Krativi continued to leave under the Byzantine empire when it was called Koritos or Korimade. The trade of handmade gold, silver and copper objects was particularly developed of that time. During the reign of the Serbian noblemen in 1282, Kratovo had become a mining centre, thanks to the experienced miners - Sasi - who came to activate the mine. The importance of that place can be judged through the visit of Sultan Murat who was moving with his army towards Kosovo, but stayed there in order to visit the already famous town of gold and silver. Old Architecture
The mining exploitation continued, until the Karpos Uprising 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 manuscripts of Amu Bue, that town had 1836, with 56,000 inhabitants. Until the end of the 19th century the town rapidly stagnated and the once most beautiful " Carsija " with goldsmith's and silversmith's 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 interested architecture from the 19th century and a unique Art gallery of children's drawings, with the picture by Kratovo children which have won numerous prices at different international exhibition centre.

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