Commissioned immediately after World War II and completed in 1947, the Batina complex was one of the first war memorials to be built in Croatia and displays the heroic, realist styles of sculpture that were popular at the time.

The memorial dates from a time when Tito’s nascent Yugoslav communist regime enjoyed good relations with the Soviet Union, and was intended to symbolise eternal friendship – something that was rendered rather ambiguous following the Soviet-Yugoslav split of 1948.

Battle of Batina

It was erected in commemoration of the Battle of Batina of November 1944, when the Red Army supported by Yugoslav Partisans crossed the Danube River in the face of fierce Wehrmacht resistance.

Obelisk

Designed by architect Srećko Lončarević, the complex occupies a hilltop site overlooking the river, and is well worth visiting for the fabulous views over the surrounding plains. The 26.5-metre obelisk at its centre is topped by an allegory of victory sculpted by Anton Augustinčić.

Practical Info

By car: Batina is 40km northeast of Osijek on the border with Serbia, and can be combined with Kopački rit to make a long day trip.

By bus: there are a couple of daily buses to Batina from Osijek although you’ll have to check timetables carefully to make sure you can get there and back.