
Photo: markoskavesna, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cocev Kamen is within Kratovo Municipality but, because of some mountains, is a shorter drive from Kumanovo than from Kratovo. The hilltop cave site of volcanic origin may have been inhabited as early as Paleolithic times. Some of the walls are painted, similar to such caves found in Bulgaria and Italy. It may have also been used as an astronomical observatory.
Cocev Kamen is a hilltop cave site of volcanic origin near the town of Kratovo in the north-east of North Macedonia. Objects discovered near the cave suggest human presence since the Paleolithic. Authors agree that the site served as a gathering point for sacrificial rituals from the Neolithic, during the Bronze Age, throughout antiquity until the Middle Ages as clarified by an abundance of pottery shards, stone (flint) tools and bone fragments unearthed from the surrounding areas. Several caves and rock shelters are decorated with red figurative art work. Comparison with similar sites in Bulgaria and Italy suggests that the paintings are indeed prehistoric.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Големо Градиште
This archaeological complex contains remains of sites dating from Late Antiquity and the medieval era. It is thought to be the location of the late Roman fortified town Tranupara. Situated on a hill near the Kriva River, the more prominent ruins include an early Christian church from around the 4th century and a medieval church from the 14th century. The former mostly consists of short walls and foundations; a church dedicated to St John the Baptist was built next to it in 1955. The latter is largely still standing and has had a new roof installed atop it. Traces of the original frescoes as well as some decorative ceramics are found inside. While the original dedication is unknown, it has been named after St George.
Црква „Св. Никола“
This site has two churches, an older one dating from the 16th century and a newer one built in 1939. The older church is simple on the outside with a pitched roof but contains significant frescoes on the inside. The newer St Nicholas is a prominent structure with a large dome, though it is in surprisingly rough shape.
Камени Кукли
This natural wonder, consisting of 15 larger (10 m / 32 ft tall) and 120 smaller stone pillars, was probably created by erosion and other climate influence. However, the legend connected to this phenomenon says that the figures are in fact wedding guests who were turned into rocks.
Градски стадион Кратово
With a capacity of 1,800, it is home to FK Sileks of the First Football League.
Црква „Св. Воведение на Пресвета Богородица“
In the centre of the historic village of Šlegovo is this 1861-built church. Several old icons are within the church, including a couple that predate its construction. Made entirely of stone, the church features a long porch with several arches and a very nice bell tower.
Црква „Св. Ѓорѓи Кратовски“
Built in 1925, this church is dedicated to Saint George of Kratovo who was burned at the stake in 1514 for not accepting Islam as his religion. It has one cupola over the entrance.