Crkva sv. apostola Petra i Pavla u Smiljanu

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Smiljan is an Orthodox church in a village near Gospić, in central Croatia. It is best known for its link to the Tesla family: Nikola Tesla's father served here as parish priest, and Nikola himself was baptized in this church.

Where is the church and why visit?

Smiljan is a small village in the Lika region, close to Gospić. The church stands right next to the place where Nikola Tesla was born in 1856, so visitors often combine it with the memorial complex dedicated to his life and work. The coordinates are roughly 44.559 N, 15.308 E. For anyone interested in the history of science and engineering, it is a natural stop that shows the surroundings in which the future inventor grew up.

What is the connection to Nikola Tesla?

Tesla's father, Milutin, was a Serbian Orthodox archpriest and served as parish priest in this church. Nikola was baptized here in 1856. For many visitors the church is as meaningful as the family house: it reveals the spiritual and family background of one of history's most celebrated inventors.

A short history of the building

According to published accounts, the church was built on the foundations of an older wooden church. Empress Maria Theresa approved construction of a proper church in 1756, and Bishop Danilo Jakšić consecrated it in 1765. The building later went through major changes and a rebuilding. In recent years the church was restored on the same site where it had stood before. Painting of the interior began in November 2020 with the blessing of Bishop Gerasim of Gornji Karlovac, and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije consecrated the rebuilt church.

Frequently asked questions

Was Nikola Tesla baptized in this church? Yes, according to available sources he was baptized here in 1856.

Who was Milutin Tesla? Nikola's father, an Orthodox priest who served as parish priest here.

Is the church close to Tesla's birthplace? Yes, the house where Tesla was born stands right beside it.

Who consecrated the original masonry church? Bishop Danilo Jakšić, in 1765.

Who consecrated the rebuilt church? Serbian Patriarch Porfirije.

Practical tips

This is a working place of worship, so dress and behave respectfully. The visit pairs well with the nearby Tesla memorial complex and a short walk around the village. Smiljan lies a short drive from Gospić. Opening hours for the interior may vary, so if you want to see the frescoes, check current information before you travel. A visit usually takes from a quarter of an hour to an hour, depending on whether you also stop at other Tesla-related sites nearby. Take a moment to notice the surroundings and the Lika landscape, which gives the place a calm, rural character. It is a good stop for travelers exploring lesser-known corners of Croatia, far from the coastal resorts, where the story of a great inventor's family meets local religious tradition and regional heritage.