Stay in a House Declared a 19th-Century Cultural Heritage Site

Kajak.mk means travel, stories, culture, and history. We are thrilled that more and more hosts are opening their doors to our world, and that the interest among travelers to stay in places where they can have a unique experience and a connection with the local history is steadily growing.

Today, we spoke with Simona, the young woman who opened the doors of the “House of Sokolovi,” a house located in the old part of Kratovo. This house has been declared cultural heritage due to its typical Macedonian architecture and was built in the 19th century. The house has an interesting location—practically hanging over the Manceva River—and is one of the most striking houses in Kratovo. It was renovated in 2021, and the furniture inside is unique, handcrafted from solid wood without the use of screws.

Even though the house has been renovated, all the distinctive features of a traditional old Macedonian house have been preserved. The windows are at an unusual height. The living room is located on a typical Macedonian čardak (an open balcony or veranda), and the yard is furnished with a beautiful bench and table, offering a stunning view of typical Kratovo houses and the Manceva River.

Simona says the house is just a 2-3 minute walk from the center of Kratovo. The neighborhood is home to permanent residents, with family houses nearby, and on the adjacent street is the Church of St. John the Baptist (Св. Јован Отсечен).

For those who haven’t yet visited Kratovo, Kajak.mk recommends doing so any time of the year. The town has its own unique history, and you can find local heroes there who are truly worth getting to know.

Around Kratovo, you can find the Stone Dolls (Камените кукли), Lesnovo Monastery (Лесновскиот манастир), the Kratovo Towers (Кратовските кули), Lisec Mountain (планината Лисец), and many more attractions to fill an active weekend.