The Republic square is the main city square in Belgrade. It occupies an area of 120m and is surrounded by important landmarks such as the National theatre, the “Jadran” cinema, the Serbian Army Home, the monument to prince Mihailo and many others.
The Republic square, in its form today, originated in 1866, after the Stambol-gate that had been in that location was torn down and built in its place the National Theatre. The gate was built at the beginning of the 18th century by the Austrians, in the spot between today’s prince Mihailo monument and the theatre. In its day that construction was considered one of the most grandiose and beautiful of that time, when Belgrade was still surrounded by a ditch. This is where the famous road leading to Constantinople (today Istanbul) which was how it got its name. Still, regardless of its beauty, the Stambol gate didn’t remain in pleasant memory for the Serbian people, but rather as the place where the Turks would execute their prisoners by goring them on the stakes.

Foto: Pavle Kaplanec

After Serbian power was permanently recovered and the gate torn down, the area where the square is today had long remained unorganized and the only building standing there was the National theatre. The today’s landmark of the square, the prince Mihailo monument, was built in 1882 and signified the start of focused effort to gradually build this area. Where today stands the National museum used to be a single story building which, among other things, housed the then famous tavern “Dardaneli”, where the artist board convened. Later this building was torn down, and in 1903 the Fund management building was constructed where the National museum is located today.
Next to the theatre there is a small park where up until WWII there was a tavern-cinema “Kolarac” which had gotten its name from the building’s owner and benefactor Ilija Milosavljevic Kolarac. The palace “Riounione” where today the “Jadran” cinema is located was built in 1930.

Foto: Pavle Kaplanec

In the place where today stands the Home of Press building up until WWII there were various aged, one-story buildings housing various businesses. Most of them were destroyed during the bombing on 6th of April 1941. After the war was over, there was a thorough reconstruction of the area, most notably resulting in the removal of tram tracks that had been there and relocation of the square where for a brief time stood the tomb and monument to the fallen fighters of the Red Army. Later their remains were moved to the Belgrade’s Liberator graveyard.
In addition to its status as the most famous meeting place and various attractions location, the square also has a rich historical significance, as many historical events took place here. For example, there is an event from 1806, during the battles for the city’s liberation. It was said that before the final breach of the fort, one of the soldiers (Miliav Camdzija) promised to his comrades that he will sing from the top of the tallest Turkish cannon, signaling their victory. While the fiercest clash was still in progress, Camdzija kept his promise despite his heavy injuries. It is said that Karadjordje, the leader of the rebellion himself, after hearing his song ordered the all-out charge which finally took the fortress. During the same attack Vasa Carapic, famous national hero whom the people had dubbed “Dragon of Avala”, lost his life, so today the street leading up to the once-gate has his name.
The demolition of the gate had been a symbolic decision made by prince Mihailo Obrenovic, who wanted to build the National theatre in that same place, replacing what was once a symbol of oppression with a symbol of progress. Unfortunately the prince didn’t live to see the end result of his efforts as he was assassinated two months after the gate had been torn down, in May 1868.

Foto: Pavle Kaplanec