Monument to those hanged on Terazije

Belgrade, IL

Monument to those hanged on Terazije
Monument to those hanged on Terazije
Location
Belgrade, IL
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
44.8123386, 20.4616147
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Monument to the Hanged on Terazije is a somber and significant historical landmark located in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. Situated on the central Terazije square, this bronze relief commemorates a tragic event during the Second World War. On August 17, 1941, the occupying forces executed five Serbian patriots—Jovan Janković, Ratko Jevtić, Velimir Jovanović, Svetislav Milin, and Milorad Pokrajac—by hanging them from the lampposts of the square as a public display of intimidation. The monument, sculpted by Nikola Janković and unveiled in 1983, serves as a permanent memorial to these individuals and the broader resistance against occupation.

Visitors to the area will find this site serves as a poignant reminder of the city's resilience. As you explore the diverse places to visit in Belgrade, this monument offers a moment of reflection amidst the bustling city center. It stands near other significant urban landmarks, making it an essential stop for those interested in 20th-century history. When planning your trip ideas for a walking tour of the capital, the Terazije square provides an excellent starting point to understand the complex layers of Serbian history. The site is easily accessible and maintains a quiet, respectful atmosphere, allowing visitors to engage with the historical narrative of the city's struggle for liberation during the darkest years of the 1940s.

General information

The Monument to the Hanged on Terazije is a somber and significant historical landmark located in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. Situated on the central Terazije square, this bronze relief commemorates a tragic event during the Second World War. On August 17, 1941, the occupying forces executed five Serbian patriots—Jovan Janković, Ratko Jevtić, Velimir Jovanović, Svetislav Milin, and Milorad Pokrajac—by hanging them from the lampposts of the square as a public display of intimidation. The monument, sculpted by Nikola Janković and unveiled in 1983, serves as a permanent memorial to these individuals and the broader resistance against occupation.

Visitors to the area will find this site serves as a poignant reminder of the city's resilience. As you explore the diverse places to visit in Belgrade, this monument offers a moment of reflection amidst the bustling city center. It stands near other significant urban landmarks, making it an essential stop for those interested in 20th-century history. When planning your trip ideas for a walking tour of the capital, the Terazije square provides an excellent starting point to understand the complex layers of Serbian history. The site is easily accessible and maintains a quiet, respectful atmosphere, allowing visitors to engage with the historical narrative of the city's struggle for liberation during the darkest years of the 1940s.

Did you know

  • The monument was officially unveiled on August 17, 1983, exactly 42 years after the executions.
  • The five individuals executed were members of the anti-fascist resistance movement.
  • The bronze relief was created by the renowned Serbian sculptor Nikola Janković.

History

On August 17, 1941, during the Nazi occupation of Belgrade, five partisans were executed by hanging on the lampposts of Terazije Square. The occupation forces intended this act to serve as a public warning to the citizens of Belgrade against participating in resistance activities. The victims were left suspended for several days as a method of psychological warfare. Following the war, this event became a central part of the city's collective memory regarding the struggle for liberation. The memorial was commissioned and installed decades later to ensure that the sacrifice of these five men would not be forgotten by future generations, marking the square as a site of historical trauma and national defiance.

Cultural significance

The monument is a symbol of Belgrade's resistance and the high cost of freedom during the Second World War. It is not merely a piece of art but a site of collective memory where local authorities and citizens gather to pay respects during anniversaries of the occupation and liberation. It highlights the role of the individual in the face of totalitarian oppression and serves as a focal point for historical education in Serbia. By maintaining this site in the very center of the modern city, Belgrade acknowledges its painful past while integrating it into the daily life of its citizens, ensuring that the legacy of the resistance remains visible in the public sphere.

Geography and landscape

The monument is located on Terazije, which is the central square and main street of Belgrade. The area is characterized by its late 19th and early 20th-century architecture, including the famous Hotel Moskva. The site is situated in a high-traffic urban environment, surrounded by shops, cafes, and municipal buildings. Because it is positioned on a wide pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, the monument is easily integrated into the city's layout. The bronze relief is mounted on a wall, blending into the urban streetscape while providing a distinct visual break from the surrounding commercial activity. The terrain is flat, typical of the Belgrade plateau, making it highly accessible for pedestrians navigating the city center.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

Nearby attractions