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On September 29, 1991, during the Siege of Bjelovar Barracks, the "Bedenik" ammunition depot was detonated by Major Milan Tepić of the Yugoslav People's Army, who chose to blow up the facility rather than surrender it to Croatian forces. The resulting blast was so powerful it shook the entire city of Bjelovar and left a massive crater where the warehouse once stood. Eleven Croatian soldiers lost their lives in the explosion while trying to prevent the catastrophe.
Today, the site has been transformed into a peaceful memorial area. Visitors can walk through the forest paths to see the monument dedicated to the fallen defenders, a chapel, and an open-air museum featuring military equipment, including tanks and armored vehicles used during the war. It serves as a stark reminder of the "Bjelovar War" and the high price paid for the city's freedom.
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Directions and tips: The memorial is located in the Bedenik forest, just a short drive north of the Bjelovar city center. It is an outdoor site, so it’s best visited during daylight hours. Every year on September 29, the city holds a "Mimohod pobjede" (Victory March) that ends at this location to honor the victims. The atmosphere is very quiet and respectful, so it's a place for reflection rather than recreation.
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March 6, 2026
