The Stefan Nemanja Monument is located in Sava Square in Belgrade, at the beginning of Nemanjina Street, in front of the former building of the Main Railway Station (currently the new building of the Historical Museum of Serbia). It is the work of Russian sculptor Alexander Rukavishnikov, a member of the Russian Academy of Arts.
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Who Was Stefan Nemanja?
Stefan Nemanja, also known as Saint Simeon, was a significant figure in the medieval history of Serbia. He was born around 1113 and became the Serbian Grand Prince and founder of the Nemanjić dynasty. He united various Serbian lands under his rule and protected them from invaders.
Nemanja was also known for his religious devotion. After abdicating the throne, he became a monk with the name Simeon. He devoted his life to religious and educational activities, founding monasteries such as Studenica and Hilandar.
Stefan Nemanja left a deep impact on Serbian history and identity, regarded as the founder of Serbian statehood and one of the most significant rulers in Serbian history.
One of his sons, Saint Sava, played a crucial role in Serbian spirituality. Born as Rastko Nemanjić, Saint Sava was a key figure in establishing the Serbian Orthodox Church and promoting education and culture among the Serbian people. Today, he is revered as the patron saint of Serbia, and the Saint Sava Temple in Belgrade stands as a monumental tribute to his legacy and impact on Serbian history.
The Monument Creation Process
The Stefan Nemanja Monument took about a year and a half to complete, with a big group of craftsmen – students and collaborators of renowned Russian sculptor Alexander Rukavishnikov – nearly 120 people of various skills, participating in its creation. The gigantic monument, made of bronze, was cut into parts to facilitate its transport from Russia to Serbia, where it was reassembled, polished, and patinated.
“It’s great that it will be the largest monument in Serbia, but it’s much more important for it to be the best, not just in Serbia. I would like it to have an impact on the attitude towards Serbs because good sculptures have an influence – many people come to see them, and there are many tourists in Belgrade. I would like it to be one of the symbols like the Temple (of Saint Sava),” said Rukavishnikov.
The monument was officially unveiled on the Saint Sava Day, January 27, 2021, in the presence of government officials and numerous citizens.
About the Stefan Nemanja Monument
Together with its pedestal, the Stefan Nemanja Monument weighs 68 tons and is 24 meters high. It is the tallest and most grandiose monument in Serbia.
The statue represents Stefan Nemanja in noble attire, holding a sword in his right hand and the Charter of Hilandar Monastery in his left hand. The pedestal represents a cracked Byzantine helmet, symbolizing Nemanja’s struggle for independence from the Byzantine Empire, from which emerges the ruler’s scepter, a symbol of royal power.
The pedestal features reliefs depicting the Grand Prince’s life and Serbian history during his reign. For example, we can see the monasteries of Studenica and Hilandar, two of the most significant endowments of Stefan Nemanja. Other reliefs are done in the style of Serbian frescoes, one of which is the Nemanjić dynasty vine, modeled after a fresco from the Visoki Dečani Monastery in Kosovo.
About the Sava Square
The newly-reconstructed Sava Square is an important part of the expansive Belgrade Waterfront project, which aims to transform the city’s riverside area into a vibrant hub for business, culture, and entertainment. Behind the impressive monument stands the former Main Railway Station, a historic landmark that served as a crucial transportation hub for 134 years, hosting its final journey to Budapest in June 2018. This iconic building is currently undergoing renovations to become the future home of the Historical Museum of Serbia.
The central plaza in front of the station has been transformed into a spacious, green, and modern public area, thoughtfully designed for pedestrians and cyclists. While modernizing the square, great care was taken to preserve its historical significance, creating a harmonious blend of Belgrade’s rich heritage and contemporary architectural solutions.
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