Republic Square, Public square in Stari Grad, Belgrade, Serbia
Republic Square is a central public square in the Stari Grad municipality of Belgrade, Serbia. It is surrounded by the National Museum, the National Theatre, the Army House, and the statue of Prince Michael, and it lies just a short walk from Terazije and the pedestrian Knez Mihailova street.
The square took shape after the demolition of the Stambol Gate in 1866 and the construction of the National Theatre in 1869. The statue of Prince Michael, erected in 1882, marked the beginning of its urban development, and the area has been reshaped several times since, most recently with a renovation completed in 2019.
The square is a stage for city life: street musicians often play near the statue, and people gather on the steps of the National Theatre before performances. The name has been debated for years, with proposals to call it Freedom Square or Theatre Square, and these discussions still surface in local conversation.
The square is easy to reach on foot from Terazije or Knez Mihailova, and it serves as a useful orientation point when exploring the old part of the city. Benches and open areas make it a convenient place to pause, and the surrounding streets lead directly to Kalemegdan Park and the fortress.
Beneath the square's paving lie the remains of the Stambol Gate, built in the early 18th century and demolished in 1866; parts of it were uncovered during the 2018 renovation and then covered again. Archaeologists have also found Roman tombs here, including deep well tombs that are rare in the region.
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