Tesla's birthplace village slowly sinks into darkness as his legacy shines globally

Smiljan, the Croatian village that is the birthplace of Nikola Tesla, is grappling with a stark reality of depopulation and neglect, failing to leverage the legacy of the renowned scientist.

Mired in a slow decline, the village, which predates the nearby city of Gospić by three centuries, now hosts a mere 300 residents, predominantly elderly. This stands in stark contrast to its past, when a single hamlet within Smiljan housed as many people. The once-thriving community, situated in the fertile Lika region known for agriculture and livestock, now feels like a desolate outpost.

Locals hold onto the hope that Smiljan could become a significant tourist destination, drawing visitors beyond the Memorial Center. However, the lack of other attractions means most tourists depart after a brief visit. The village, which birthed the genius who "invented" the 20th century, now finds itself a shadow of its former self, a poignant reminder of unrealized potential.