Monument to the Soviet war veterans

The Monument to the Soviet war veterans is constructed from bronze and granite, rising approximately 5 meters on Avala Mountain near Pinosava. The structure incorporates design elements resembling broken aircraft wings and displays detailed inscriptions about the incident and those remembered.

The memorial commemorates 22 Soviet dignitaries, including Marshal Biryuzov and General Zhdanov, who perished in an aircraft crash on October 19, 1964. The accident occurred during foggy conditions as the delegation traveled to mark Belgrade's liberation anniversary.

The monument draws annual visits from Serbian and Russian officials who pay respects through wreath-laying ceremonies honoring the fallen. These gatherings reflect the enduring connection between the two nations in remembering shared wartime sacrifices.

Access to the site involves climbing stone staircases that lead from the base to the monument. The location on a mountain slope means visitors should allow time for the climb and note that inscriptions are visible from multiple vantage points.

The aircraft crashed at this location because heavy fog obscured the pilot's vision as the plane approached the mountainside. The monument was erected precisely where the tragedy occurred, making it a marker of the exact moment in time and place.

Location: Avala

Location: City of Belgrade

Inception: 1965

Made from material: bronze, granite

GPS coordinates: 44.68880,20.51400

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:20