If you follow the path of the sunlight, welcome to the fertile land called Strumica. The city of everlasting spring challenges you to come here, under the starry sky, where the ancient heritage and the spirit of the new day hold each other in tender embrace. Let curiosity be your guide and your senses will be surprised. For the next tame you came here your heart will be your guide. Strumica is city of attendances and different times. Each stone has its story and every path leads to new legend which probably was or it will become true. Many emperors and rulers who placed or took something with them for fear to remain unforgotten passed from here. Many battles to conquer the fortresses and land were led, but the sky above the city always remained untouched. Maybe that’s why it was called Astraion or Astral City with thousands artifacts as temporal testimonies buried in the earth and clean sky with stars as lasting witnesses to all migrations and colonization. On the hill between the stones and stars elevate Czar’s Towers as temporal bulwark for everyone who destroyed and built this city. Strumica is a place which moves through the time and a city which conquers but can not be conquered forever.The territory of Strumica and the region of Strumica is located on the south-eastern part of Macedonia at the geographical latitude of 44˚ 22` and 41˚ 30` and east geographical longitude of 22˚35` and 23˚45`. From geomorphologic aspect it is differentiated to a plain part with 250 – 260 meters of average above sea level which belongs to the Strumica valley and hilly zone with 450 meters of average above sea level. The Strumica area is surrounded by the sierra of the mountains Elenica (970 m), Ograzden (1746 m) and Belasica (1883 m). A major hydro potential of the territory represents the river Strumica (Strumesnica). From historical point of view it has been major local resource for water supplying, and particularly significant were the fatter alluvial drifts along the flowing of the river which gave the fertility of Strumica filed.This area is characterized with continental climate but also with modified Mediterranean climate which penetrates along flowing of the river Strumica (Strumesnica). Because of these circumstances the climate in the region of Strumica distinguishes with relatively open winters and long dry summers. But sometimes the temperature in winter drops under -20 °C and in summer it reaches over 40 °C. Yearly, average rain falls are about 600 liters/m². Through the year there are about 230 sunny days in the region of Strumica and among the strong winds, the most manifested are the north- west and south- west wind, while the north and south wind are more infrequent.The reflection of the past of Strumica and the region of Strumica is inconceivable without realizing the latitude of the territorial and cultural area which is, unfortunately, insufficiently and partially studied. Assimilating into the general social – cultural image of Macedonia, this area has always represented a fertile land for development of the first colonies and cultures. The exemplification of the presence of the very early trails in the development of the pre historical cultures lies, above all, in the good configuration of the terrain, the optimal climate-geographical conditions, as well in the great hydro-graphical grid of the bigger and smaller rivers which have caused beginning of life since the neolithic.

During the last few years Strumica is approaching the modern European medium – sized cities in its development. At the same time it represents economic and cultural center of the South – East – Mace-development. It is an engine of development for this particular region, which from extensive agricultural region became intensive agro – industrial. The population has a good standard; they have huge self initiative and the employees in the agriculture, industry and local self government are using their own resources. Strumica is open for cooperation of any kind which is in interest of its inhabitants.

The developed trade network throughout the whole territory of the Municipality makes Strumica the leading shopping center in South – east Macedonia. The number of registered companies with modern stores is very huge, and the new distinguishing mark of Strumica is the Global shopping center which is the biggest shopping complex in Macedonia and one of the biggest in the Balkan.

Strumica at the moment is one of the top five cities in the country that are top investment destination in Macedonia. Because of the big trade industrial capacity that the Municipality of Strumica offers, and also the great geographical position on the corner of two borders with Bulgaria and Greece, many foreign countries have invested in the municipality mainly with textile production capacities, confections, and textile sales shops. As most developed agricultural and rural region, Strumica is also number one investment destination for investments of agricultural character. With the many food processing and can-packing companies, in Strumica the biggest ransomed and distributive Centre for fruits and vegetables is situated, which is investment of the Croatian Agrokor.

Deep down in their consciousness, the people of Strumica keep the memory of the glorious victories won in the days when the unconquerable walls of the  Czar’s towers were deciding for the city’s destiny. The citizens of Strumica internalize their city as the „City under the czar’s towers“.Municipality of Strumica has invested with its project for reconstruction and creation of very good recreation trim path to the Tzars Towers, equipped with metal and wood borders, desks for rest, trash cans, and sport appliances for recreation. Strumica is proud of its material and spiritual wealth. Czar’s towers together with the Sts. 15 Martyrs of Tiveriopolis, Orta mosque, and Late Roman thermal spa in Bansko, together eighth the monastery complex St. Leontij in Vodocha and the monastery St. Bogorodica Eleusa in Veljusa, the church St. 40 Martyrs in Bansko deserve respectable attention by every coincidental or intentional visitor of Strumica.

The main factors for beginning cultural expansion on these areas are the fertile Strumica filed, the natural communicative transverse along flowing of the river Strumica (Strumesnica), mineral treasures and favorable climate. The material and spiritual values of the prehistoric and historic cultural development spread very quickly and dynamic through these specific area. The earliest evidence for persistence and working of the prehistoric man in these areas for now represent those from the settlement “The Side” in locality Angelci, typical for the late phase of the early Stone Age. It represents the first researched agricultural community with permanent place for leaving in this region. All the aspects of the cultural and spiritual life have been researched together with all the activities which are followed by the sedentary (creation of rich cultural and spiritual live). This is about a plain settlement widespread on the surface of nearly 6 hectares and on smooth incline over the river Sushica. It is hollowed as a saddle in the middle, turned on East, in other words, toward the sunrise, and protected by strong winds. The settlement has had all the conveniences for undisturbed life – water supplying from the river Sushica, and the fertile field that had satisfied all the basic life necessities.

Strumica is the city owner of the sport life spirit; it is the native town of the greatest Macedonian footballer Goran Pandev, city of Macedonian championship in basketball and town where sport stars are born. Strumica is also city for sport investments, having at the time many tennis courts, football playgrounds, basketball playgrounds, swimming pools, bike marked paths,trim paths and many sport recreation facilities, there has been invested in Academy for young footballers Pandev, and the same investor will start other investment a sport complex that will include accommodation capacities, terrains for football with artificial and natural grass, closed swimming pools etc, for development of the young sportsmen.

PLACES TO VISIT

Roman Bath Bansko

At 12 km from the town of Strumica, at the northern foot of Mount Belasitza, located are strong hot water springs with a temperature of 72 ° C. The source is located in the village of Bansko, which is the main reason why water baths once got the present name. Near the source “Parilo” located is the Roman bath, which was built in the II century AD. This area covers more than 1500 m2 and is one of the largest baths in the Balkans.
Most of the 11 rooms have different functions and are mainly built of brick and stone combined with the mortar. Heating inside was designed and constructed with a special system in which hot water was used to heat the floors and walls.The bathroom is designed like most Roman buildings and was in the spirit of the health needs of the Roman culture. The roman bath had also a dressing room (apoditerium) for the clothes, and in the area called “dipterium” the sick were massaged with oil. The room “tepidarium” was located among the hot bath (sauna) and cold bath (frigidarium). The main place was occupied by the baths and tub pool whose depth was about 1.5 m, and the pool was gained by stairs. The sunlight entered through the windows, which made private and intimate atmosphere.
Destruction of this sanatorium happened in VI century AD.Thermo sources are five in number, of which only one, is the largest expert captured. It flows into the main bath called “Turkish Bath” and four other freely wreak with no particular catchments, and only one part flows into the bathroom “Salandzha”. The water temperature in the source does not change during the year, which proves that comes from great depth and without weathering. The temperature of the water sources is about 71 degree in the spring, which supplies the main, Turkish bath, a source that supplies “Salandzha” is a temperature of 56 degrees.The site “Roman bath” in Bansko is one of the few preserved Roman monuments of its kind in Europe.
Source: http://www.whereismacedonia.org

Smolare Waterfall

It can be found above the village of Smolare, at an elevation of 630 meters, located deep in the Belasica Mountains where the Lomnica River springs hidden among the hundred-years-old beech trees. The waterfall is a unique waterfall in Macedonia with the water falling from the height of 39,5 meters, the tallest waterfall in Macedonia.

It is located above the village of Smolare in the Municipality of Novo Selo in the southeastern region of the country.The waterfall is part of the Lomnica River and is located deep in Mount Belasica at an elevation of 630 metres. Crashing down the smooth, black rock face, and surrounded by 100-year-old beech trees, this waterfall is visited by tourists throughout the year, largely by train.To reach the majestic beauty of Smolare Falls, visitors must wind their way up a nature path that includes 300 stone steps made from natural materials.
Once at the site, deep within the forest, tourists can gaze at the waterfall from a wooden bridge constructed in front of the crashing water, enjoying the refreshing spray at the waterfall collides with the rock face and meets the river below.Visitors can also enjoy the picnic and camping areas constructed at the base of the path, as well as a marketplace opened in 2007 for residents to sell locally produced products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, and crafts.

Kolesino Waterfall

It is enchanting in every season. During the summer it will refresh you with its clean mountain air, and in winter it will astonish you with its frozen beauty. It is found at an elevation of 610 meters on the Baba River in the heart of the Belasica Mountain, surrounded by maple trees and stone cliffs. The water of this waterfall falls from the height of 19 metres. Imagine walking through a forest on a relaxing sunny afternoon hike. It is a pleasant day and the temperatures in the mountain village are cooler and the air is more refreshing than the heat of the valley.
Your path crisscrosses a small stream. At a small bridge you stop and peer into the crystal, clear water at the crayfish swimming just below the surface. You continue; the path is parallel to the stream and then crosses it again with another small, wooden bridge. For a moment you get lost in the artistry of nature in springtime bloom and you forget your destination.
But then you hear it. It’s the sound of rushing water and you look ahead. Around the bend you begin to see it: Kolesino Waterfall.

Nestled within the foliage of Bеlasica Mountain, above the village of Kolesino, is the Kolesino Waterfall. With pure, clear water from the Baba River, the Kolesino Waterfall gently flows over the hillside in a beautiful and rhythmic ballet of multiple watery streams. After this brief 19 meter dance (62 ft.), these various streams reform into the river and carry on down the mountain.

You can enjoy these Kolesino Waterfall from a variety of viewpoints, whether the bridge directly in front of the waterfall or from one of the resting benches to the side. If you feel particularly adventurous, an additional path winds up the side of the hill and you can stand alongside the river as it slips down below. There are even covered gazebo areas for picnicking if you that wish to have a brief snack at the site.

Source: http://www.novoselo.gov.mk

Gabrovo Waterfall

In the underarms of the Belasica Mountain, hidden from the public eyes the Gabrovo Waterfall is situated. The location of the waterfall is right across the village of Gabrovo, after which the name of the waterfall was given, and 15 kilometers form the city of Strumica. On distance of one kilometer there are three smaller waterfalls, high from 4 to 8 metres, and their clean ice cold water flows out through the large and spread beech trees. The slap of the highest waterfall flows in to the middle waterfall, and the middle flows in to the smallest waterfall and together the water flows through the last house in the village Gabrovo. The crossing of the waterfall and the fall of the water form one to onother is the reason that makes this landmark so attractive, interesting and different form the other two famous waterfalls in the region.Many tourists have found their escape in the wild nature, but the bravest and the adventurous ones can climb through the tightly and sharp rise of the paths that entwine the mysterious Belasica mountain. In this untouched idyll you can only hear the babbling of the water falling and the singing of the birds.
The waterfalls are so magnificent and mysterious, that you will get the impression that they dictate the life of the mountain.Gabrovo is a village with traditional Macedonian houses typical for the underbelasica region. The nature is wild and unique, like the time stopped in this village. The villagers say that a little is missed for this village to become the number one tourist destination not only for the tourist form Macedonia but for the ones out of the state. They hope that this will be the beginning of a beautiful story for which none has heard, a story for a lost paradise that holds place in the middle of a century beech wood, for the untouchable heaven on Belasica for which is to be heard from now on.
The village of Gabrovo is one location that is inescapable for the tourist eye and offers great opportunities for country tourism.Besides the far known first waterfall now the second and the third one are accessible for the tourists, as result of the Municipality of Strumica’s project for Equipping and reconstruction of the Gabrovo waterfall. This locality now offers 5 villas for barbeque of snacks , sitting desks and tables, trash cans, stone marked paths and three bridges that give an easier accesses to the last and the most beautiful waterfall. For the opportunity to make the visit unforgettable between the second and the third waterfall there is the Gabrovo Cave that still is an enigma for the population in the village. Municipality of Strumica does not stop here, but will go on with the education of the population of the village for attracting even more and more tourist on local level, national and international level.