Independence Square, Podgorica

Independence Square sits in Nova Varoš, the administrative and cultural heart of Podgorica. It covers five thousand square metres and forms the central town square. The city library ‘Radosav Ljumović’ and the state gallery ‘Art’ open their doors here. Two pedestrian streets, Freedom Street and Njegoš’s Street, frame the square on east and west sides. Bokeška and Vučedolska Streets mark its northern and southern limits. A pedestrian passage links the square to the City Hall and the National Theatre.

The square was renamed in 2006 after Montenegro regained independence. Before that it bore the name of Ivan Milutinović, a communist general and national hero. A major reconstruction turned the space into a car-free zone. Workers laid new paving, built a central fountain, and planted palm trees. Colonnades and water channels were added along with the fountain. The entire project cost about 2.5 million euros.

Visitors find a wide paved area with a central fountain and surrounding colonnades. Palm trees line the square and water channels run between them. The library and gallery stand side by side near the fountain. Freedom Street offers shops while Njegoš’s Street provides cafés. The pedestrian passage leads directly to the City Hall and the National Theatre.