Kumrovec (Croatia)

Even though it was a cold, soggy, rainy day when I went to Kumrovec, I still have fond memories of my visit. I toured the village with a local guide, which enabled me to gain a better understanding of both the history of Croatia and that of the former Yugoslavia.

Most people who come here when visiting Croatia do so out of an awareness that Kumrovec is the birthplace of Tito. In fact, the first thing you see when you arrive at the village is the bronze statue of him that stands at the entrance to the ethnological museum here. On the other side of the museum's wooden gateway stands a collection of buildings set out over a large green and grassy area, and these are open for the public to visit. Each of the buildings houses a display of a particular aspect of traditional local customs, skills and know-how. Some of them are also dedicated to Tito himself. Visiting this museum enabled me to learn more about the man, and gave me a desire to become better informed about this part of Europe and its history. 

You can also easily get to Veliki Tabor Castle from Kumrovec, as well as other little villages in the local area.