Smiljan

Smiljan is a village in Croatia, located in Lika-Senj County and administratively part of the town of Gospić. It lies in the inland Adriatic watershed, within the mountainous Lika region, near the river Lika. The area is rural, with forests, fields, and karst landscapes typical of the region.

Smiljan is best known as the birthplace of Nikola Tesla, the engineer and inventor born on July 10, 1856. The village hosts the Nikola Tesla Memorial Center, a cultural site that preserves Tesla's birthplace and presents exhibits on his life and scientific contributions. The center serves as a tourist and educational destination, anchored in Smiljan's historical legacy.

Traditionally, the local economy has relied on agriculture and forestry, with growing interest in cultural heritage tourism related to Tesla. The surrounding countryside supports outdoor activities and attracts visitors to the Lika region, including nearby Gospić and other attractions in the area.

Smiljan's population is small, reflecting broader population trends in rural inland Croatia. The village is notable primarily for its connection to Tesla and for contributing to the cultural and historical landscape of Lika-Senj County.