January 22, 2009

Nikola Pasic Square in Belgrade


A remarkable square of Belgrade is Nikola Pasic Square (Trg Nikole Pasica) a big square in extension of Terazije that was completed in the 1950's. Because of the hilly topography, a lot of earth was removed and a flat and representativ square with important buildings and a notable park was created. Inaugurated as the Marx and Engels Square in honour of the famous communist idealogues, in the late 80's was renamed Nikola Pasic Square and in the 90's a monument to Nikola Pasic was errected.

Monument Nikola Pasic (picture by Rascian @ Skyscrapercity)

Monument to Nikola Pašić
(Spomenik Nikoli Pašiću) This was unveiled in 1998 and it's the work of the sculptor Zoran Ivanović. Nikola Pasic (1845-1926) was a stateman and politician, a dominant figure in the balkan politics between 1890 and 1926 who managed (together with his counterparts in Greece and Romania) to strengthen their small, still emerging national states against strong foreign influences (Turks, austro-hungarians and russians). He was also leader of the People's radical Party (Narodna radikalna stranka).
an interesting 360° view of the square (click here)


Dom Sindikata (picture by Rascian @ Skyscrapercity)

The Trade Union Hall

One of the outstanding buildings (that at the moment even represent the header of my blog) is the :
Trade Union Hall (Dom Sindikata) built by Branko Petričić. It is an inpressive structure built in the spirit of social-realism around 1955 that acts like a quartermoon shaped frame to define Nikola Pasic Square. Until the Sava Centre was opened in 1977, the Dom Sindikata was the largest and most suitable venue for the varied requirements of sociopolitical and cultural life in the city.
Today Dom Sindikata houses several movie theatres, shops and is suitlable for fairs and other public events (website).

Agrarian Bank (picture by Rascian @ Skyscrapercity)

Agrarian Bank Building

Another notable building is The Ministry of Culture Building (former Agrarian Bank Building or also known as: Museum of Yugoslav History) This building was errected around 1930 and designed by Petar and Branko Krstic.
The Museum of Yugoslav History is today housed in this building (the museum has some other bulidings) and in the 3rd floor the "Museum to the victims of Genocide" is situated. It was founded in 1992 and is like an extension of the museum of the concentration camp of Jasenovac.

2 comments:

  1. Great place trg pasica..
    When it's windy, walking around the fountain, you can get a shower for free ;)

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  2. Thanks for dropping by Beppe!
    Trg Nikole Pasica with its soc-realist buildings is really worth visiting!

    ReplyDelete