Strumica is a city in south-eastern Macedonia, in the Strumica plain. Strumica is seat of Strumica municipality.

According to the 2002 census, Strumica had a population of 35,311.

Strumica is situated at an altitude of 233 meters above the sea level. Strumica is accessibel from Skopje from both sides, through Stip (150 km) and though Valandovo (165 km), but the second one it much more better. It is just 29 km from Radovis, 66 km from Stip, 30 km from Valandovo and 51 km from Dojran. The border with Bulgaria at Novo Selo is just 29 km.

Strumica is first mentioned in 2nd century BC with the Greek name Astrayon. Later it was known by the Latin name Tiveriopolis. It got it’s present name from the Slavic settlers. In modern Greek the name is Stròmnitsa, while in Turkish is Ustrumdze. Strumica is also famous for its night life and international events called Strumica Carnival and “Asterfest” (Festival of SEE Film Authors). Strumica is also famous for its exciting night life. Strumica is the home of one of the best clubs and lounges in Macedonia. You can find most of the clubs and lounges on “Lebljebedzijska” Street near the Strumica square.

In present days Strumica is the main agricultural center in the Macedonia, has many textile factories and developed trade network. Large percent of the goods produced in Strumica are used for export in other cities in the Macedonia as well as in some EU countries. Strumica is therefore one of the richest area in Macedonia. Strumica is developing into modern city and expanding its infrastructure in the last few years.

Strumica tourist attractions

• BANJSKO SPA The spa is located at the height of 270 m at the bottom of the mountain Belasica, 12 km southeast from Strumica. Orrographically it belongs to the north slope of mountain Belasica which has general east-west spreading. There are layers from the time of the old Paleozoic, neogen and qarter in the geological construction of the field. The place tectonically belongs to Macedonian-Serbian tectonic massif, i.e. to Belasica’s fissure 45 km. long in east-west direction with a discent towards north under angle of 65º, and along its length there are parceled zones and millionits. All this influenced the springs of thermal water. The Banjsko spa-resort has an artificial lake 8 km, from the spa-resort. The waters emerging from the springs of the Banjsko spa are considered the hottest in Macedonia. Their temperature reaches 720C. They assist in the treatment of diseases of the digestive organs, breathing, lung, different rheumatic and intestinal diseases, all gynecological diseases, disorders of the nervous system, sterility, and rehabilitation after heart attacks. 11.62 km ESE from Strumica center
• HOLY MOTHER OF GOD ELEUSA CHURCH Built on a rocky plateau, the monastery of the Holy Mother of God Eleusa is located in the village of Veljusa, about seven kilometers west of Strumica. The bishop Manuel of Strumica made this monastery, dedicated to the Holy Mother of God (Holy Virgin) Eleusa of Tenderness, in 1080 AD. This place is the most visited place in all of the eastern region of Macedonia. The monastery is important because of its architechtural layout, 11th century frecoes, floor mosaic, and the marble iconstatis. This church is important because of its architecture, mural picturesqueness, mosaic floor and the marble iconostasis. Holy Mother of God Eleusa is the only church from this period with that kind of architectural concept. In the basis it is a tetraconch (four leaved clover), and above it it’s raising an octagonal dome. The facades on the north, east, and south conch are animated with two rows of niches made of bricks. The Veljusa monastery was visited in person by the Byzantine Emperor Alexis I Comnenus, and he was enchanted by its beauty. At certain periods of time this monastery was male, but there was also a sisterhood in Vodocha, while today is the opposite. Painting of the church is done in three time periods. The altar, under-domed space in the nave and walls, the konhs and the chapel the painting occurred in 1085, the porch dates from 1164 and the nave is from the 19th century, with many local painting features. 7.23 km WNW from Strumica center
• KOLESINO WATERFALL The waterfall gently falls over the stone cliffs nestled in the forest of the Belasica Mountain at a height of 19 metres (62 ft.) in multiple watery streams only to reform into the river below. Kolesino waterfall 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. The Kolesino waterfall is beautiful in ever season and continually changes to reflect nature which surrounds it. In the winter, these fragile streams can become frozen and in the spring, strengthened by the recent rainfalls, the gentle streams rush more powerfully over the cliff sides. 16.21 km ESE from Strumica center
• STRUMICA MUSEUM The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and Museum was established as a regional museum in 1952. On 01.01.2005 the institution became a regional conservation center responsible for Strumica, Dojran, Valandovo Bogdanci, Gevgelija and their environments. The first exhibition was organized on May 1st, 1955 and contained materials of history, ethnology and archeology. 0.09 km WNW from main square
• BANJSKO ROMAN BATH The village Bansko is located 12 km. South-east from Strumica, south-east Macedonia. The east end of the village, the place where the spring of thermo-mineral water is, is know by the name “Bath” among the local population, a thermal healing spa from late antiquity. The archeological digging on the Late-Roman thermal spa has begun in 1978 and continues, with short interruptions, till today. Till the year 2002 it was managed by Jovan Ananiev, a counselor archeologist from the Institute and Museum – Strumica. Unfortunately, his early death stopped him finishing his researches. With the last campaign we’ve covered about 1,500 sq. km. where a well-preserved Late – Roman thermal spa was discovered. Archaeological excavations have revealed 10 well preserved quarters. 11.61 km ESE from Strumica center
• SMOLARE WATERFALL The waterfall is part of the Lomnica River and is located deep in the Belasica Mountain 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. Smolare Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in the Republic of Macedonia, falling from a height of 39.5 metres (129.5 feet). It is located above the village of Smolare in the Municipality of Novo Selo in the southeastern region of Macedonia. To reach the majestic beauty of the Smolare Waterfall, visitors must wind their way up a nature path which 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. 23.37 km ESE from Strumica center
• TZAREVI KULI FORTRESS The fortress was built right near Strumica, and remains are visible today. Tzarevi Kuli is a fortress from the late ancient period. Tzarevi Kuli (Tzar Towers) fortress is located on the southern side of Strumica. It has 100 square meters and is oriented east-west. The Tzar’s Towers are located on the hill overlooking Strumica. They are the remains of a medieval fortress from the 11th-12th century, that was extended during the 12th-14th century. There is not much left over from this once so powerful fortress. The only well visible remains are the so-called Pirg Tower, the main tower of the fortress where the commander of the fortress stayed. The lower floor was a water tanker filled with atmospheric water. The other major remains are from the west entrance tower or gate, and another huge water tanker in the middle of the fortressAt the City Hall of Strumica we got an interesting booklet called “One the way of ancestors” describing the Tzar’s Towers in very much detail. You can reach to Tzar’s Towers via an asphalt road by car, or climb very steeply uphill from the foot path that is close to restaurant Loven Dom to the antenna on top of the hill. We made a detour and took the path from Loven Dom and walked first 2.5 km to the Monastery of St Ilija. From there we walked over a 4×4 track that leads to the asphalt road to the Tzars Tower. 0.91 km SSW from main square / Strumica
• VODOCA MONASTERY Vodoca is the name of the village located 5 kilometers from Strumica. The 5th monastery is dedicated to Saint Leontius. In the Vodoca monastery area are the new church and the ruins of the original church. There are some frescoes from the 11th century. Vodoca is magnificent medieval center of the metropolitans in Strumica. Monastery that holds the remnants of several ancient churches since the 7th century, on whose foundations is built the beautiful temple dedicated to the Saint Leontius in the 11th century, and to Eleusa. This is a site where more than 1.000 medieval tombs were discovered alongside with jewelry and ceramics from the 14th century – one of the richest archaeological sites in Macedonia. The mountain surrounding intensifies its spiritual beauty and makes this church different in every season of the year. Parts of the church were rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries with some renovation performed in the 20th century. Frescoes from the 11th century still exist. According to a Hylendar act, this monastery is considered a bishops residency in the Strumica region. It is claimed that in this monastery St. Clement held education and worship. Not far from here, near the local school, is the Struma Tomb. Today, the Vodoca monastery is open to visitors and they have quarters for monks and residential quarters for the visitors. 4.14 km WNW from Strumica center