Embark on a fascinating one-day tour from Skopje to explore the ancient astronomical sites of Macedonian Stonehenge. Discover the oldest observatories, sacrificial rituals, and a medieval town nestled in a volcanic crater.
- Kokino - The 4-th oldest observatory according to NASA is right here, in the north-east of Macedonia. In the rocky hill of Tatikev Kamen, there are the remains of this megalithic observatory, estimated to date back from between the 19 and 17 centuries BC.
- Cocev Kamen - This hilltop volcanic cave is located not that far from the volcanic small town of Kratovo. The remains showed that this is a sacrificial place for the people that lived here in the Neolithic period.
- Kratovo - This small interesting volcanic town even got its name from the volcanic crater (Kratovo). We will have a guided walking tour around town, crossing many medieval bridges and towers. Optionally you will have a chance to taste slow-cooked food by the locals and taste the local homemade wine and rakija (Macedonian brandy). The people of Kratovo are very proud of their homemade crushed salt made of salt, peppers, rosemary, basil, peppermint, wild mint, and thyme and you must taste it. We leave Kratovo and drive back to Skopje.
- Guidance by experienced English/Spanish speaking guide
- Comfortable transfers with A/C car/minivan included
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off in Skopje
- Entrance fee for Kokino in high season (2 EUR per person)
- Food and drinks, optional and payable on the spot
- Optional donation to the Kratovo museum (5 EUR)
- Personal expenses
Archaeological discoveries from the Kokino location trace back to the Early Bronze Age. The elevated crater’s volcanic activity formed rocks which played a pivotal role in tracking the phases of the Sun and Moon to keep time. NASA has ranked it as the fourth oldest observatory. In close proximity, roughly an hour away, is the archaeological location known as Cocev Kamen (Stone). This place showcases magnificent rock formations and prehistoric observatories akin to Kokino and Stonehenge in the UK. The site was used for performing sacrificial rites and as a religious sanctuary. In earlier days, a robust wooden gate shut off the entrance into the rock. Visitors can still spot the indentations in the rock that were made to anchor the gates and piles. Lastly, there’s the quaint medieval town named Kratovo, situated within the heart of an erstwhile volcano crater.
- The tour does not operate in bad weather conditions. You will be offered a date change if this happens
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
