Past Future Monuments of the Balkans: Atlas Obscura Trip

19 Places

Bubanj Memorial Park

This memorial park stands on the site of one of the largest mass executions of the Second World War.

Added by usrejected

Koracica, Serbia

Kosmaj Monument

This spaceship-like Serbian monument reaches for the stars in celebration of the fallen fighters of fascism.

Dylan

Plitvička Jezera, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes

A chain of 16 wondrous lakes formed as a result of the gradual dissolution of soluble layers of bedrock.

Added by nsmrekar

Podgarić, Croatia

Podgaric Monument

This stunning, out-of-the-way Croatian monument commemorates a community's uprising against occupying fascist forces.

serflac

Added by serflac

Kragujevac, Serbia

Šumarice Memorial Park

Abstract monuments express sorrow and resilience at the site of a horrific massacre in Nazi-occupied Serbia.

Darmon Richter

Added by Darmon Richter

Malička, Croatia

Petrova Gora

This huge metal monument is slowly being stripped to its concrete skeleton.

Dylan

Jasenovac, Croatia

Stone Flower

Croatia's towering concrete blossom grows from the site of a World War II concentration camp.

dusanmil89

Added by dusanmil89

Vukovar, Croatia

Dudik Memorial Park

Built as an anti-fascist tribute, this surreal Yugoslav memorial became an unwelcome symbol after the Croatian war for independence.

Darmon Richter

Added by Darmon Richter

Zlatiborski okrug, Serbia

Kadinjača Memorial Complex

A grand Yugoslav memorial to the group of partisans who fought and died resisting western Serbia’s Nazi occupation.

Darmon Richter

Added by Darmon Richter

Stratište Memorial Complex

An abandoned monument remembering the "Pančevo Holocaust" now stands as a shadow of its former self.

Darmon Richter

Added by Darmon Richter

Čačak, Serbia

Čačak Mausoleum of Struggle and Victory

This symbol of Yugoslav liberation decorated with 620 carved heads of mythical creatures is now a forlorn relic of another time.

Darmon Richter

Added by Darmon Richter

Kruševac, Serbia

Slobodište Memorial Park

Curious carved stones and bird-like wings are a symbol of Serbian resilience and freedom on the site of a WWII massacre.

Darmon Richter

Added by Darmon Richter

Štulac, Serbia

Popina Memorial Park

Serbia's master of striking memorials erected a forgotten, hidden gem in the hills outside a tiny village.

Nienna

Added by Nienna

The Skull Tower of Nis

Structure built from the skulls of vanquished foes.

stanestane

Added by stanestane

Željava, Croatia

Zeljava Airbase

Yugoslavia's biggest underground airport lies in ruins.

stanestane

Added by stanestane

Tjentište, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tjentiste War Memorial

These warring psychedelic crags commemorate an unsuccessful military operation.

sbitters

Added by sbitters

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo Bobsleigh Track

A war-torn Olympic relic is being overtaken by graffiti and nature.

Hannah Frishberg

Added by Hannah Frishberg

Dera, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kozara Memorial Monument

This brutalist monument is inscribed with 9921 names of Yugoslav partisans who perished during WWII.

Dylan

Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Garavice Memorial Park

A forgotten and crumbling Yugoslav monument to the victims of fascism.

Darmon Richter

Added by Darmon Richter

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