Republic Square

Republic Square in Belgrade is a lively and historic spot that you just can’t miss when visiting the city. It’s packed with national landmarks like the National Theatre and the National Museum, and the atmosphere is always buzzing with street food vendors and cultural events.

History

Republic Square has a fascinating backstory that goes back to the mid-1800s, right after Turkish rule ended in Serbia. It used to be the site of the Stamboul gate, which was the starting point of the road to Constantinople. For many Serbians, the gate was a symbol of oppression, so it was torn down to make way for the square. Over the years, the square has had a few name changes. It was once called Theatre Square during Communist times, and there’s ongoing debate about renaming it Freedom Square because of its role in the pro-democracy demonstrations in 1991.

How to Get There

Getting to Republic Square is a breeze since it’s right in the heart of Belgrade. It’s on the edge of the Old Town and connects to the city center with both traffic and pedestrian streets. It’s one of the busiest spots in the city, with more than 20 bus or trolley lines passing through.

Attractions

1. National Theatre: This stunning building was put up in the late 19th century in a Renaissance style, inspired by La Scala in Milan. It’s famous for its top-notch opera, drama, and ballet performances. The theatre even kept the show going during the NATO bombings in the late 1990s.

2. National Museum: Dating back to the 1840s, the National Museum is a treasure trove of Serbian culture and history. The current building, from the early 20th century, houses everything from ancient regional artifacts to art by Serbian, Yugoslavian, and international artists like Renoir, Canaletto, and Rubens. Modern art fans will also find works by Picasso and Kandinsky.

3. Prince Mihailo Monument: Right outside the National Museum, you’ll find the Prince Mihailo monument. It’s a tribute to Serbia’s liberation from Turkish rule in the 19th century. The statue of Prince Michael points towards Constantinople, symbolically telling the Turks to leave. Excavations around the monument have uncovered Roman and Celtic brick tombs.

Ticket Information

– National Theatre: You can buy tickets for performances at the theatre box office or online. Catching an evening show is highly recommended if you’re in Belgrade.
– National Museum: The museum sometimes offers free admission on specific days, but regular ticket prices usually apply. It’s a good idea to check their website for the latest on ticket prices and special exhibitions.

Tips for Visiting

1. Explore the Square: Take a stroll around the square to soak up the lively atmosphere and try some street food.
2. Catch a Performance: If you can, snag a ticket for an evening show at the National Theatre.
3. Visit the Museum: Spend some time checking out the impressive collection of archaeological objects and art at the National Museum.
4. Photography: Don’t forget to snap plenty of photos of the historic buildings and monuments.
5. Local Culture: Dive into the local culture by attending any cultural events or demonstrations happening in the square.
6. Navigation: Use public transport or walk around the nearby streets to explore more of Belgrade’s historic neighborhoods.