Demir Kapija is a small town, located on the left bank of the Vardar river in the Povardarie region in southern part of Macedonia. It’s the seat of Demir Kapija municipality and it’s the smallest town along the river Vardar and the Povardarie region as well.

According to the 2002 census, Demir Kapija had 3,275 inhabitants.

Demir Kapija lies at an altitude of 110 meters above the sea level. The E-75 international route, which in Macedonia is a modernized motorway is passing by Demir Kapija, and connects Demir Kapija with Negotino (20km), Veles (50km) and Skopje (100km) on the north and Gevgelija on the south. A railway within the same route exists. Demir Kapija is an important railway stop in this part of Macedonia.

Demir Kapija is also home to the largest mental institute in Macedonia – The Special Institute. The Special Olympics team from this institute is well noted in football and track and field events.

Demir Kapija is known as for the production of red paprika, tobacco and for it’s vineyards.

Origin of the name Demir Kapija

The name Demir Kapija is preserved from the Ottoman period, which means literally Iron Gate. This is probably becase of the great geo-strategic location of the ancient town of Prosek, that was used as a stronghold and the enemies couldn’t conquer it.

Climate in Demir Kapija

The Demir Kapija surroundings are under the influence of the mediterranen (aegean) climate. It’s also a national monument of nature and an ornithological reserve, home to many rare species of birds and endemic plants.

Demir Kapija tourist attractions

• PROSEK (STENAE) OLD TOWN Prosek (Stenae) is an ancient town located in the Demir Kapija canyon, which had an excellent strategical and war position. Prosek (Stenae) was discovered in 1948. Some things that have been found here include four towers that remain standing today, many ceramic objects, jewelery, coins, and a few acropoli and neocropolis. Later in the medieval period, Stenae was known under the name Prosek, and was ruled by Dobromir Strez. 1.66 km E from main square / Demir Kapija
• ROYAL WINERIES After the second Balkan war, the town of Demir Kapija became home to the royal winery and vineyards of the former Yugoslav King Alexandar Karadjordjevic. Demir Kapija is oldest winery on Balkans, which belonged to King Karadjorjevic Aleksander and his royal family. Completely reconstructed few years before and at the moment one of the most popular winery in Macedonia and around. Until 1995 the Royal Winery was it ownership of Povardarie Winery, and today it’s privately owned. The Demir Kapija Royal winery produces 6 different types of wines, which are branded under the name “Villa Marija”. All 6 types of wines are made by different type of grapes and one of the most popular is “Villa Marija – rizling”. 1.01 km WNW from main square / Demir Kapija