View over Kratovo
Kratovo is a small town
located on the west of the Osogovo Mountain. More than million years ago
these mountains were an active volcano. The volcanos within the earth
ejected magma rich with minerals that later on became lead-zinc ore. As a
result of the volcano activity distinctive relief forms were created such
as volcanic mountains and craters. After the volcano eruptions this area
was inhabited because of the abundance of ore. The settlement Kretis-kara
was established in one of the craters. This place grew into a town with
time. Kratovo is a curious town because it is the only town in our country
constructed in a crater.
The town is 600m above sea
level and counts for one of the oldest settlements in the Republic of
Macedonia. As a settlement it was know even from the Roman Empire and
later on in the Byzantium Empire. During the medieval period Kratovo was
known as a developed mining and merchant settlement. Many various objects
and gold, silver and copper pieces of jewelry were made in Kratovo as well
as coins. The Sases contributed greatly to the fast development of the
town at that time. They were experienced miners with German origin. Their
coming meant revival of the abandoned mines of Kratovo.
During the time of the Turks Kratovo was know as the city of gold and silver. In 1689 the Turks brought in free labour in the mines, so Karpos lead a rebellion. After the unsuccessful rebellion the city was devastated and the mines closed. They were refurbished in 19th century when Kratovo experienced a period of revival and development. It turned into a city with the most beautiful market-place on the Balkans. In 1836, according to Ami Bue, Kratovo had 56,000 inhabitants.
Motif of Kratovo
