Kičevo, city in North Macedonia
Kičevo is a small city in western North Macedonia with around 23,000 residents, located along the main road connecting Skopje and Ohrid. The streets are easy to walk through, lined with shops and cafes where local people spend their daily lives.
The town was formerly known as Uskana and later as Katin Grad, holding strategic importance under multiple empires including Byzantine, Bulgarian, Serbian, and Ottoman rule. The name Katin Grad comes from Queen Katina, sister of King Marko, who lived there during the 13th and 14th centuries.
Kičevo displays its diverse heritage through churches and mosques that stand near each other, reflecting how different faith communities coexist peacefully in the town. These religious sites shape daily life and create a welcoming environment for visitors exploring the local traditions.
Kičevo sits on the main road A2 E-65 between Skopje and Ohrid, making it easy to reach by car. The larger Skopje International Airport is further to the northeast, while the smaller Ohrid St. Paul The Apostle Airport offers mostly seasonal flights.
The nearby monastery of St. Bogorodica Precista, about 12 kilometers from town, is known for an old legend in which a sacred icon of Mary disappeared and returned three times at night with a bright glow. The monastery courtyard holds a fountain with water that visitors collect, believing it to have healing properties.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
