Flower Monument, Jasenovac, Croatia

Designed by my absolute hero Bogdan Bogdanović, this incredible monument is such a great example to show the haters who think that concrete can’t be beautiful. I challenge anyone to tell me this isn’t beautiful. The monument commemorates the thousands of victims of the Ustaša-run Jasenovac forced labour and extermination camp, which was constructed on the site during WWII. It’s such a peaceful and beautiful place to reflect on the atrocities that took place here. I love the story that Bogdanović presented his proposal for the monument personally to Tito, explaining that he found no inspiration in “bringing evil back to life” with a realistic representation of what happened at Jasenovac, instead aiming for a more symbolic memorial focused on reconciliation.