Independence Square, formerly Republic Square or Square of the Republic () is the central town square of

Podgorica Podgorica ( cnr-Cyrl, Подгорица; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Montenegro, largest city of Montenegro. The city is just north of Lake Skadar and close to coastal destinations on the Adriatic Sea. Histor ...

Montenegro , image_flag = Flag of Montenegro.svg , image_coat = Coat of arms of Montenegro.svg , coa_size = 80 , national_motto = , national_anthem = () , image_map = Europe-Mont ...

. It is located in Nova Varoš (, lit. "New Town"), which is the administrative and socio-cultural heart of the city. The square covers an area of 5.000 square metres. Both the city library "Radosav Ljumović", and the state gallery "Art", are located in the square.

Location

The square is bordered by Ulica Slobode (''Freedom street'') to the east, and Njegoševa Ulica ('' Njegoš's Street'') to the west. Both Njegoševa and Slobode street are newly renovated pedestrian zones - with Ulica Slobode also being a popular shopping street. Bokeška and Vučedolska Street create the square's northern and southern borders, respectively. A pedestrian passage connects the Republic Square to Podgorica's City Hall and the Montenegrin National Theatre building.

History

Trg Republike was until 2006 known as Trg Ivana Milutinovića (''

Ivan Milutinović Ivan Milutinović (nickname Milutin; sr-cyr, Иван Милутиновић; 27 September 1901 – 23 October 1944) was a Yugoslav Partisan general and an eminent military commander who participated in World War II. Before the war In October ...

Square'') – a famous Montenegrin communist politician, military general and national hero. In 2006, the year of the

Montenegrin independence An independence referendum was held in Republic of Montenegro (1992–2006), Montenegro on 21 May 2006. It was approved by 55.5% of voters, narrowly passing the 55% threshold. By 23 May, preliminary referendum results were recognized by all five ...

, the square underwent a massive reconstruction. It was widened, paved, a big central fountain was constructed and the area was turned into a car-free zone. The square was decorated with colonnades, palm trees and water channels. The whole project cost around 2.5 million Euros.

References

Gallery

File:TrgRepublikeNight.JPG, The square at night File:Republic squarePG - fountain.jpg, The fountain File:Radosav Ljumović.JPG, The public library - rear view {{Podgorica Squares in Podgorica Tourist attractions in Podgorica