🇲🇰 Lesnovo, Knezhevo and Kratovo

If you think the eastern part of Macedonia is unattractive, we will prove you wrong. 

 

A seemingly tranquil area, whose treasures are neither showcased nor valued as much as other regions in our country. For many, this lack of commercialization is a drawback, but for us, it’s a terrain hiding 1001 adventures.

 

But we are here to help you become tourists in your own country. This guide covers the northeastern region, along with several distinct locations that belong to it.

VOLCANIC CAVES

We begin our journey in the Lesnovo region, with the volcanic caves at the top of our list. A hidden gem that serves as a treasure trove of rich and powerful history, filled with fascinating facts.

 

In the past, this site was home to a volcano whose lava flowed to the base, forming a massive volcanic hill. Over time, the volcano became dormant, and the lava solidified, making the area suitable for settlement. Years later, Lesnovo emerged—the only village in Macedonia entirely situated on volcanic terrain. As such, its inhabitants created a lasting history by utilizing the volcanic hill as a primary resource for their livelihood.

 

By carving the rocks and creating millstones, a cave system was formed—the first and only one entirely created by human effort.

 

The finished products were transported to Thessaloniki and Constantinople, where they were in high demand and fetched good prices. It is believed that every family in the village owned a cave. According to historical records, the villagers specialized in stone carving the villagers specialized in stone carving, which was their primary and sole craft.

 

On the other hand, the caves are often mentioned in the context of their religious significance and connection to the people. According to one legend , Gavril Lesnovski lived here, alongside three other saints: Joachim Osogovski, Prohor Pchinski, and John of Rila. Over a span of 30 years, they dedicated themselves to prayer and strict fasting, after which they parted ways to continue their missions in four different directions. Gavril Lesnovski chose to remain and built the sacred church in the village that now bears his name.

 

To this day, the caves serve as a spiritual refuge for Orthodox Christians, with remnants of icons bearing witness to this tradition.

LESNOVO MONASTERY

Near the caves, at the very entrance to the village, proudly stands the Lesnovo Monastery – a biblical site, that carries within it deep holiness. 

 

The church was built in the second half of the 11th century and is dedicated to St. Archangel Michael. The interior of the church speaks to the devotion and hard work of the people, and its intricate handcrafted works remain unsolved mysteries to this day. The frescoes are the work of four iconographers, while the iconostasis, with its deep carvings, is the first masterpiece of the group of woodcarvers led by Petre Filipovski – Garkata.

 

This monastery is an important literary center in Macedonia, preserving manuscripts and hagiographies of numerous writers. Thanks to the local population, who cared for its survival , it has been preserved to this day. 

 

In its time, it was considered a monastery with a rich economic status, under whose protection many churches and villages stood. Traditionally, every week the monastery serves church meals in its courtyard, and the citizens have the opportunity to attend this gathering. 

Knezhevo Lake

Not far from Lesnovo, on the slopes of the Osogovo Mountains, lies Knezhevo Lake. It is an artificial reservoir that remains part of the group of unexplored locations, while at the same time offering various opportunities for adventurers.

 

At an altitude of 1,020 meters, it stretches for 3 kilometers in length and 150-200 meters in width. It reaches a depth of 70 meters, and several nearby settlements are supplied with water from this lake.

 

The lake is accessible via Zletovo, along a winding mountain road that is almost unknown to the mass tourists. Over its 20-kilometer length, you will have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of this truly untouched nature.

Mountain Pass: Knezhevo - Kratovo

Our discovery for this year is the mountain pass from Kneževo Dam to the town of Kratovo. As the dedicated explorers of Macedonia, the satisfaction knows no bounds when you find a place like this.

 

The road starts 1 kilometer before the lake, in the valley of Zletovska Klisura. This is a pass you won't find on a map, so follow these directions and immerse yourself in the adventure..

 

Starting point:

  • 📍 42.1052571, 22.2951067
  • drive towards the village of Kavrak, and then continue towards the village of Bliznaci.

 

Ending point:

  • 📍 42.0700241, 22.1939972
  • approach from the southern/southeastern entrance to Kratovo.

 

Basic information: 

  • The asphalt is solid, with damage only in a few places (where you will need to pass slowly). It is as wide as a single lane and on the side of the lake quite steep with short turns. 
  • The maximum altitude reached is 1,430 meters. You drive along the ridge of the mountain, with all the surrounding mountains unfolding before you, complemented by the glow of the sunset setting behind them.
  • To drive this segment, it will take you about an hour and a half (1.5 hours)
  • The road passes through several small villages, almost unnoticed from the road. There are locals who regularly travel towards Kratovo, so they can assist you with any problems.
  • We had no network coverage from start to finish.
  • This route can be driven by car, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, or bicycle.
  • During winter, locals claim it is almost inaccessible. 

Kratovo

At the end of the mountain road, a small town awaits you, with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. One of the oldest and most significant towns on the Balkans, it is known as the "City of Bridges". The name "Kratovo" is closely linked to the existence of a volcanic crater beneath its soil, which contributed to the locals' expertise in tunnel digging, passageways, and mining, becoming the main occupation of the people from this region.

 

Throughout the years, the city has been under various influences, the traces of which can still be seen today. Recognizable for its old Macedonian architecture, Kratovo represents a significant architectural center, with its narrow streets, stone and wooden houses, tall towers, massive bridges, and underground tunnels (some of which still exist today).

 

If you wish to learn more about the history of Kratovo and take a peek into the existing tunnels, we recommend visiting the Alexandria Restaurant. The staff is friendly and will give you a short tour, as the true treasure lies right beneath their restaurant. 

 

Don't miss the chance to try traditional pastrmajlija from Kratovo before continuing your exploration.

 

➕ Additional locations you can include in the tour:

  • The Stone Dolls: A natural monument surrounded by various scientific facts and legends. They are located near Kratovo, near the village of Kuklica. At the entrance to the site, there is an information center where you can learn more about the formation of this natural phenomenon.
  • Cocev Kamen: : Another remarkable creation of nature, dating back to the Neolithic period. It is located 25 kilometers west of Kratovo and, according to scientists, is considered a unique site in the world that serves as a sanctuary, altar, and observatory all at once. The famous "stone that speaks" reaches a height of up to 100 meters, and within it, symbols and other remnants can be found, revealing details about prehistoric people and their rituals.

 

Check out the full story on our Instagram.

 

For any questions regarding the guide, feel free to message us!

 

Until the next adventure,

 

Ana and Mane