Kumrovec, Tito's birthplace and the most famous village in Croatia

Today, as more people move to cities, and the village is no longer "cool", 90% of tourism goes to big metropolises and expensive resorts. But fortunately, we still have villages to visit as a step back in time. The villages in Europe are mostly the keepers of a bygone era, places where we can learn more about the past, agriculture, the local culture, and the history of the entire regions. And, one just like that is the village of Kumrovec, Tito's birthplace and the most famous village in Croatia. Well, let's head to the north of Croatia to explore it.

History and geography

The village of Kumrovec belongs to Zagorje-Krapina County. It is located in the northwest of Croatia, on the border with Slovenia. The village has less than 300 inhabitants, while the municipality of Kumrovec has about 1500.  This tucked-in village is hidden in the green of the Croatian Zagorje Hills, near the Sutla River. Just an hour's drive from Zagreb lies Kumrovec, which we may call the rural museum of sorts. Being the birthplace of legendary Josip Broz Tito, and hiding interesting sights like a monument to the Croatian national anthem, it's no wonder Kumrovec is famous between local and international tourists alike.

Museums and exhibitions

Kumrovec boasts a wealth of historic collections and exhibitions. The ethnic village "Staro Selo" looks exactly like the era it represents - the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. This open-air museum introduces you to the traditional life and customs of the people of Zagorje. You can see what the houses, furniture, and décor used to look, but also their clothes and tools - all that every ethnographic museum can offer. All that is possible in order to bring you back to the wonderful time more than a century ago.

"Comrade Tito was born here"

One of the houses in the village of Kumrovec carries the sign that says: "Comrade Tito was born here". It's no wonder that this is one of the most famous houses in Croatia and all over Europe - this is where Josip Broz, better known as Tito, was born in 1892. Tito left a large mark on the history and politics of Yugoslavia and Europe, mainly in the first half of the 20th century. 

He has been the most famous politician in this area, ever since his term as the President of Yugoslavia. Tito's birthplace is today a museum venue where the visitors can get acquainted with the life and work of this important historical figure.

In Kumrovec, you can also see a unique monument dedicated to the anthem. Namely, at the entrance to the municipality, there is a monument to the Croatian anthem, erected in 1935.

Whether you are visiting Croatia or Slovenia, you must visit Kumrovec, Croatia's most famous village. It's a village where you will rest, enjoy meeting local culture and tales of Zagorje, but also get acquainted with the life of Josip Broz Tito, right at his birthplace.