Rudolf Perešin Memorial Park

The Rudolf Perešin Memorial Park in Gornja Stubica commemorates one of the best-known pilots of the Croatian Homeland War. In October 1991, while Croatia was fighting for independence, Rudolf Perešin, then a pilot in the Yugoslav People’s Army, took off in a MiG-21 fighter and flew to Austria, landing at Klagenfurt. His flight deprived the federal forces of a modern aircraft and became a symbol of loyalty to Croatia. He later joined the new Croatian Air Force and was killed in the war, and he is remembered as a national hero.

The park stands in the centre of Gornja Stubica, in the hills of Hrvatsko Zagorje, not far from Zagreb. A statue of the pilot stands at its heart, and a MiG-21 jet is displayed nearby, so visitors can see at first hand the type of aircraft involved and get a feel for its size. Panels and monuments explain his story and the context of the early years of the war. The memorial has a quiet, dignified character, and it is cared for by the local community, for whom it is a point of pride.

The park is also a place of gathering. An annual commemorative event in the town draws large numbers of visitors, and has included flying displays, parachute jumps and helicopter demonstrations alongside the formal ceremonies, with participation by aviators from several countries across Europe. At other times of the year the park is simply a quiet corner of the village, where a visitor can read the panels, look at the aircraft and reflect on the events of the early 1990s.

Gornja Stubica has more to see within a short distance, and the memorial fits into a broader tour of the area. The town is best known for the peasants' revolt of 1573, led by Matija Gubec, and the Oršić Castle and Museum of the Peasants' Revolt and the Gubec Linden (Gupčeva Lipa) recall that story. Other nearby places include the Stubički Golubovec Castle, the Dišeća Starina Ethno Village and the Burnjak Dam and Retention Basin, so the memorial can be one stop in a half-day.

It suits history enthusiasts, aviation fans and families interested in modern Croatian history. Allow half an hour to an hour at the park, and combine it with the museum and castle for a fuller understanding of the town.