WWI Serbian Soldiers Mausoleum: A Testament to Sacrifice

The WWI Serbian Soldiers Mausoleum is a significant historical monument located in Corfu, Greece, dedicated to the Serbian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. This solemn site serves as a final resting place and a reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices made for freedom. In December 1916, around 130,000 Serbian soldiers and civilians arrived in Corfu to seek refuge after a long journey through the mountains of Montenegro and Albania. The refugees were accommodated in camps across Corfu, but there was insufficient time to make adequate provisions for the large number of people. The sick soldiers were quarantined on the island of Vido to prevent the diseases from spreading to the local Corfiote population. A hospital was set up on Vido to treat the sick soldiers, while the small islet of Lazareto functioned as a transit and disinfection center. Despite the efforts of the Corfiotes and the help offered by the French and Russians, many of the Serbian soldiers died at a rapid pace, sometimes even more than 100 per day. Initially, the bodies were buried near the shore, but with the death toll continuing to increase, it was decided to transport the bodies on a French medical ship and drop them into the sea. The sea around Vido is therefore also called the Blue Tomb. The mausoleum holds the remains of 2,764 soldiers, of which only 1,232 have been identified by name. The names are engraved on the wall inside the monument, which looks out over the 'Blue Tomb'. Many Serbs visit the monument to pay tribute to the dead and lay wreaths at the mausoleum. In front of the mausoleum you can see a plague with the poem Blue Tomb written in cyrillic as Плава гробница (Plava Grobnica). Visitors can explore the intricate architectural details that pay homage to the fallen soldiers. Plaques and inscriptions tell the stories of these brave individuals, many of whom faced tremendous hardships during the war. The mausoleum is open to the public, making it accessible for all tourists who wish to honor the memory of those who served.