The Monument to the Uprising of the People of Kordun and Banija at Petrova Gora, or Peter’s Mountain, in central Croatia, belongs to the most notorious derelict Yugoslav-era monuments. In addition to a range of emotions, the Petrova Gora monument generates more questions than answers. What happened in the surrounding woods? Why build this sculpturally and architecturally exceptional behemoth on this forested hilltop? How did one of the biggest and most impressive World War II monuments in the world end up in such a state of dilapidation, decay, and desolation? While tourism, mostly unorganized, to the site continues to grow and the Monument increasingly features in various pop culture productions, local activists lead small-scale efforts to keep the site alive. Is this enough? What else can and should be done here? And why does it all matter?

Fallen Partisan fighters, detained migrants, and post-apocalyptic youths also make an appearance.

With Sanja Horvatinčić, Donald Niebyl, and Aneta Vladimirov. Featuring the song “Sve ostaje nakon nas” by Žen.


The Remembering Yugoslavia podcast explores the memory of a country that no longer exists. Created, produced, and hosted by Peter Korchnak. New episodes two to three times per month.

• Shownotes: RememberingYugoslavia.com/Podcast-Petrova-Gora-Monument/
• Instagram: @RememberingYugoslavia
• SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon :: PayPal :: Subscription

Support the show