This is a flashback to one of my favourite cities Belgrade. I love it so much I have visited three times and always find something new to see and experience.

House of Flowers and the Museum of Yugoslavia

Josip Broz Tito ruled over Yugoslavia for almost forty years. He was a rare independent nationalistic defender within Eastern Europe during the Cold War era.

Tito despised Stalin, who sent assassins who tried to kill Tito numerous times. In reply, Tito sent a note to Stalin translated as saying:- “Stalin: stop sending people to kill me. We have already captured five of them, one of them with a bomb and another with a rifle. If you don‘t stop sending killers, I‘ll send one to Moscow, and I won‘t have to send a second.”

Labelled a dictator, perhaps because he couldn’t be controlled by the elite, Tito is fondly remembered by most Serbians. Many wish they could return to “Tito-time” When everyone had a place to live, jobs and could afford to go on holidays.

On the day of my visit there was only one official on duty around the mausoleum. It was free to enter but now there is a ticket cost to fund renovations of the three buildings making up the Museum of Yugoslav History.

In the 1970’s the House of Flowers was Tito’s winter garden, where he spent a lot of his final years and wanted to be buried. When he died in 1980, aged 87, he got his wish. A white marble slab with gold lettering undercover surrounded by palms. His wife Jovanka Broz was later buried next to him in 2013.

On one side of the tomb is part of the 25 May Museum displaying elaborately designed batons. Each year on Tito’s birthday (25 May), the “Relays of Youth” was run with a new baton design each year. Many are wood carved or metal. It must have been compelling for the public to see what the design would be each year as they were so unique.

Nearby headless mannequins model Tito’s famous military uniforms full of badges. There are many personal effects like Tito’s glasses, pens and box of cigars but the most intriguing display are the exquisite gift from world dignitaries during Tito’s era including Saddam Hussein, Gandhi and Gaddafi.

A jewel and gold Mandela from Nepal

A golden harp from Saddam Hussein

The Old Museum is facinating with Serbian costumes and garments along with a doll collection, strange old riding saddles, swords and more antique weapons.

Outside on the lawn area is a striding seriously cloaked Tito statue, attractive for photographers. And a bronze bambi statue.

When leaving there is an interesting gift shop selling a variety of Tito souvenirs. I bought myself a pair of Tito earrings. I'd been dazzled and become a fan after witnessing his legacy and life.

The Museum of Yugoslavia & House of Flowers

Boticeva 6, Dedinje, Belgrade
An hours walk from the centre of Belgrade or by trolley bus 40 or 41.

Tuesday - Sunday 10AM-18PM
Museum is closed on Mondays.
Adults 400 Din
Students 200