Demir-Kapija

Demir-Kapija, a small town uniquely settled in a rocky canyon

Demir-Kapija is a place already met in Classical times under the name of Stenas (gorge). In the middle ages it was known as a Slav settlement, under the name of Prosek, while today's name originates from the Turkish reign, meaning "The Iron Gate".

The town of Prosek was used as a fortress due to its good strategic position. In the thirteenth century Prosek had become the seat of Dobromir Hris, and Strez was its well-known commander.

The former settlement was fortified by walls, and it is considered that it was used to exist in the Neolithic Age. Demir Kapija is hiding numerous localities and invincible remains. The research up to the present has proved that all the pass periods have left their traces: the Roman, Byzantine, the period of Macedonian Emperor Samuel, the Turkish as well as the early Christian period.

The Vardar river makes a wonderful gorge close to Demir-Kapija, while the "Bela Voda" cave is very interesting to see.

When passing "The Iron Gates", the road leads to the Valandovo and Gevgelija valley. It is the most picturesque region in Macedonia, as well as the most variegated with its agricultural products. This valley is under the influence of the Aegean climate.