Klisura (Republic of Macedonia)

Klisura (Macedonian: Клисура) is the oldest village in Demir Kapija Municipality in the Republic of Macedonia. It was along the Vardar River but moved into the mountains to be away from the main road in the mid 19th century. Many current Demir Kapija residents came to develop the town and municipality during socialism, one of Tito's plans for the modernization and industrialization of his Yugoslavia. Klisura was at its highest population of over 600 residents just after World War I. A large church and monastery were built there before then. Today, the village is nearly abandoned, but it has a unique tradition around Easter. Former inhabitants return to the village on Good Friday for a village reunion. On May 23, many people come to celebrate the patron Saint Nicholas. Several residents still herd goats, sheep, and other livestock.

Map of Klisura, Macedonia (FYROM)