Description
- Journey through the history that shaped Serbia
- View uniquely constructed monuments
- Travel through incredible nature and outdoor wonders
- Walk in the footsteps of the freedom fighters of old
Scattered in various locations throughout the former Yugoslav states are hundreds of memorials known as spomeniks. These unique and somewhat bizarre memorials were constructed after WW2 up until the 1980s. The spomenik are there to remind one through the commemoration of particular individual events of the Second World War which are more often than not unique to the regions where the event took place . A war of Liberation broke out after the forces of Germany, Italy, Bulgaria and Hungary invaded the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1941. The result of this action caused the uprising and formation of an anti-fascist partisan movement which arose to fight back against occupation. The Partisan movement was led most notably by Josip Broz Tito and liberated many regions although the cost of human life was high. In the aftermath, the multi-ethnic Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was formed, with Tito at its head.
The Spomenik tour will focus on the 4 very unique and lesser known monuments. Each with its own unique architecture and turbulent story that played key roles in shaping the domestic liberation struggle. The tour begins at the Museum of history in Uzice where one will be able to view a permanent exhibition outlining the liberation struggle. We then journey to the Cacak Spomenik. Upon arrival one will find this strange stone structure shaped with heads of mythical creatures serving as a memorial to the many thousands of people who died during the local freedom struggle.The Mausoleum of Struggle and Victory was officially opened in 1980. We continue to the Popina Monument WW2 memorial monument which is located on the road to Popina just southwest of Kraljevo and was built to recognise and celebrate the site where the first direct battle between the Partisans and invading German forces began. At this location, on October 13, 1941, the Trstenik partisan detachment and the Dragosinjaka Company of the Royal Detachment led a multi-hour battle against parts of the 171st German Division. This battle remained known as one of the first frontal struggles of partisans and occupying forces. Next up is the Ostra Monument where in 1944 a small partisan division took on a combined German and Italian force of 500 soldiers, to liberate the nearby town of Čačak. Most of them lost their lives in the process. Today this Spomenik stands alone to tell the story of their struggle. Our final and considered most important monument, the Kadinjaca Memorial. Known for its carrying of a strong note “The fourteenth kilometer has surrendered but Kadinjača never will“. That contemplation of the poet has been mentioned and remembered for decades in the Užice region as proof of the historical importance of the battle on Kadinjača, a legendary hill 14 km from Užice.
. The memorial is dedicated to the troops of Workers Battalion from Uzice, the Posavec and the Orasans, who gave their lives on 29th November 1941 for a cause that was entrenched in their core until the end through their protection of the retreating main partisan troops from Užice towards Sandžak.
✔️Licensed guide speaking fluent English
✔️Day tour
✔️Hotel pick up and drop off
✔️Transportation
✔️Driver/guide service
❌Gratuity for the guide (optional)
❌Lunch
❌Chinese Translator (40 euros – optional)
Confirmation:
- A 10% deposit of the full reservation price is required in order to confirm your booking.
- You will receive an instant confirmation email and voucher upon booking.
- In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your Spam folder or notify us via email
Cancellation:
- Full refunds will be issued for confirmed cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the activity
How To Use
- You can present either a printed or a mobile voucher for this activity
- The voucher is valid for the date specified and may only be redeemed on that day.
