Travel Guide Radovis

Tourists in a hurry: refrain. Radoviš boasts beautiful natural spots, with the small Plačkovica massif to the north, where the Strumica river rises, and the man-made Mantovo lake to the southwest. But it doesn't really have any interesting places to visit, apart from the 14th-century church of the Konče monastery to the south. The town center, where the Radoviška River flows (joining the Strumica, 6 km to the southeast), isn't very exciting either. Since the Middle Ages, Radoviš has made its living from the exploitation of copper and gold deposits. The large open-pit mine at Bučim, 16 km to the northwest, is still the region's biggest employer (650 employees). But if you take your time, you can enjoy some beautiful walks, discover one of the country's last artisan potters, taste local specialities, in particular the astonishing black salt with poppy seeds, and try to discover the secrets of the art of "living together" in the Macedonian way. For although the region was shaken by major revolts against the Ottomans in the 19th century, the Slavic and Turkish communities live here in a certain harmony.