New Squares in Belgrade

Squares are places of gathering and relaxation, but also important gathering points. We celebrate holidays, welcome victors, and start revolutions on them. That's why they are often major tourist attractions and the spots where we feel the pulse of a city the best.

We could certainly get to know the history of our capital through the stories and appearance of its squares. That's why we are excited about the fact that in 2020, we should get eight new small squares ("pjacetas") and see some of the old ones in a completely new edition.

As mentioned by the chief city urban planner Marko Stojčić, conceptual designs for eight undeveloped urban areas are ready, and we are waiting for the necessary documentation to start construction.

Corners of some streets in Vračar, Stari Grad, and Palilula will get a new look and improve the visual identity of Belgrade. Five out of the eight locations will have fountains and benches, and each will have bicycle parking spaces.

Considering our struggle with pollution throughout the winter, the city authorities plan to increase green areas in the squares. We should be pleased by the fact that some of them will also be adorned with sculptures.

The most ambitious project is the redevelopment of the corner of Admirala Geprata, Balkanska, Sarajevska, Milovana Milovanovića, and Gavrilo Principa streets. The idea is to expand the pedestrian space by 300 square meters, making it a total area of 1600 square meters. Seven new trees will be planted, and there will be a 12-place bicycle parking. Additionally, a drinking water fountain will be installed for hot summer days, along with suitable ambient lighting. Milovana Milovanovića Street is envisioned as a pedestrian zone that extends from this new square.

Particularly interesting is the conceptual design of the new square at the corner of Cara Nikolaja and Mileševska. Our celebrated actors Milena Dravić and Dragan Nikolić will receive a deserving tribute here. It will be a sculpture called "Cheek to Cheek."

Not far from there, at the corner of Njegoševa and Maksim Gorki, an 800-square-meter space for walking and relaxation will be built. This could become a new gathering place for residents of Vračar.

This year, Belgrade is expected to have its own Red Square at the corner of Tadeuša Košćuška and Strahinjića Bana streets. The entire area will be paved with red bricks, and a sculptural artwork will be installed on it.

Furthermore, a pedestrian zone with a new tree-lined promenade and a sculpture that will enhance the ambiance will be created on Kraljevića Marka Street. This space will occupy an area of 1120 square meters.

In the meantime, Palilula is getting two small squares ("pjacetes"). The first one will be built at the corner of Dalmatinska and Kneza Danila, featuring a bicycle lane and parking for two-wheelers. The second one will encompass an area of 4900 square meters in front of Palilula Market and will be specially enriched with greenery.

The intersection of Palmotićeva and George Washington Streets will become the home of a sculpture by Jernej Kopitar.

While new construction is being planned, some old squares in Belgrade are also getting a completely new look. The most debated one is Savski Trg. All reconstruction works on Savski Trg will be completed by mid-June, as announced at the beginning of March. Foundation works for the monument to Stefan Nemanja are already underway on Savski Trg, with 12-meter-long piles being installed, as the height of the monument will be 23 meters. Through the reconstruction of this square, Belgrade will gain, as announced by the city administration, the most beautiful pedestrian zone in the city, with over 300 trees being planted. New tram tracks will also be installed along the edges of the square.

Besides Savski Trg, there is also a lot of debate about the reconstruction of Nikola Pašić Square. The city urban planner confirmed yesterday that the reconstruction of Nikola Pašić Square might have to wait until next year, as the conceptual design for its appearance is being revised to preserve the existing fountain. Bezistan is also planned for redevelopment, so this attractive location may finally receive the attention it deserves.

We are very pleased with the initiative to modernize and beautify the squares in our city. However, it remains a fact that the works will be lengthy, and citizens are particularly concerned about the heavy traffic jams that have become common in our capital. We must arm ourselves with patience and hope to soon have the opportunity to relax and enjoy one of the future urban oases.