 Project description
Young people from Kratovo, through their participation in volunteer brigades, have arranged and beautified the only green public area - the space near two centennial pine trees and the elderly people home. A path was made, then a small bridge, a small summer stage and the whole space was beautified with flowers and small trees. The goal of the project “Karsi bavca” was to arrange the rocky base of the extinguished volcano crater where Kratovo is situated, and to promote a green oasis where people can gather, associate, organize and attend various cultural, entertainment and other events.
Contact
Centre for Independent Citizen Initiatives, Goce Stojanovski 070/258-187 radkrato@freemail.com.mk
Location
Kratovo, northeast Macedonia
 About Kratovo
Kratovo is one of the oldest towns in the Balkans. It has 7000 inhabitants. It is situated in the Osogovo Mountains. It has an amphitheatre-like setup and lies on the slopes of an extinguished volcano crater, on the banks of three rivers: Kratovska, Manceva, and Babakarina. The town possesses a very specific architecture dominated by 12 old bridges and 6 middle-age towers.
How to reach Kratovo?
You can reach Kratovo by car, via Kumanovo (60 min) or by bus departing from Skopje at 7.30, 13, 15.30 and 17.30 hours.
Where to stay overnight?
While in Kratovo, you can stay overnight in the “Kratis” hotel located downtown.
 Local specifics
Local architecture, high arch bridges, clock towers, and narrow cobblestone-paved streets are the most characteristic features of Kratovo. Have a look at it on foot, pass the famous Radin Bridge, and visit the Turkish “amam” (public bath), the Clock Tower, and other stone constructions. Visit also the town's museum located in the former inn (“Saraj”), close to the former Turkish prison. In winter, people in Kratovo make the “pastrmajka” specialty; during the year, famous “mantijas” and the Kratovo “mezelek” are made. You can taste these in local restaurants: “Kanu”, in a typical old town architecture style, “Alexandria”, and “Solun”.
What can you see in the surroundings?
Some ten kilometres away from Kratovo, you can visit the village of Kuklica in the vicinity of which you simply have to visit a nature phenomenon - stone “doll-figures” created by erosion, the power of the wind, and climate influence. You can also visit some archeological sites in the vicinity and get some information on them in the Kratovo museum.
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