thetrainfamilyFor a long time, we had yearned to visit the final resting place of Tito, the legendary partisan leader. Tito, who led Yugoslavia and is still revered as a great leader by many Serbians. The place where his grave lies can be found under the names “Museum of Yugoslavia” or “House of Flowers,” a site located just outside the Belgrade city center.
Getting to Titos grave
We embarked on our journey using public transportation, taking bus 78, and walked the remaining distance. As we approached, a long line of tourist buses signaled our arrival. However, to our surprise, the area around the museum was surprisingly devoid of crowds.
House of Flowers
We paid 66 DKK for admission, while children under 10 years old could enter for free. From there, we began the ascent to the House of Flowers. The building was originally constructed as a heated combination of a greenhouse and office for the aging Tito in 1975. From the outside, it resembled a large public restroom more than anything else. Yet, as we reached the entrance, we were greeted by a more impressive sight with a beautiful fountain and entrance. Stepping inside, the large greenhouse offered a pleasant atmosphere with comfortable air conditioning. Green plants and flowers surrounded Tito’s grave, which immediately caught our attention. The gravestone itself was grand and white, bearing Tito’s name in golden letters. A smaller stone bore the name of his wife, Jovanka, who survived him by 33 years, passing away in 2013.
In the adjacent wings, we found pictures of various world leaders who attended Tito’s funeral, including Helmut Kohl and Fidel Castro. Additionally, the museum featured a reconstruction of his office, along with drawings and letters sent by Yugoslavs during his brief illness in the spring of 1980. The museum was concise and well-organized, captivating the attention of the children as well.
Museum of Yugoslavia
After exploring the House of Flowers, we made our way to the Museum of Yugoslavia, located right beside it. Inside, the museum displayed gifts that Tito received from around the world and Yugoslavia. It also showcased revolutionary artifacts and the history of the revolution. The children found it fascinating to see the many peculiar gifts, ranging from a wooden Eiffel Tower crafted by Yugoslav schoolchildren to a grand tea set from St. Petersburg.
The souvenir shop
On our way out, we passed by the souvenir shop, offering various items from socks adorned with the Yugoslav flag to Tito’s cookbook. We decided to purchase a magnet featuring the Yugoslav state emblem as a memento of our visit.
Go there!
Overall, our visit to Tito’s grave in Belgrade was a truly captivating experience that we wholeheartedly recommend. The journey allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rich history of Yugoslavia and gain a deeper appreciation for the legacy of Tito, the beloved leader of the past.
