„The Cross from Mala pijaca“, on of the oldest public monuments in Belgrade, will be restored for the first time in decades. Through a comprehensive conservation and infrastructure plan, new life will be breathed into it as part of the upcoming reconstruction of Bristol Park, financed by Belgrade Waterfront.
The monument „Cross from Mala pijaca“ was erected in 1862 at the initiative of the merchant Ćira Hristić, in memory of the unknown heroes who died during the liberation of Belgrade in 1806. The cross symbolizes the Christian victory over the Turks and the strengthening of national identity in the Principality of Serbia. It was originally placed in front of the former „Bosna“ hotel, near the Belgrade Cooperative building, and its simple but powerful symbolism reflected the artistic and technical level of construction in the mid-19th century. Due to the reconstruction of the former Mala pijaca (Little Market), it was moved to Bristol Park, and experts from the Centre for Conservation and Restoration Belgrade have now moved it to a temporary location where it will be situated until the construction of an underground garage below Bristol Park. Then it will be restored according to the conservation conditions of experts from the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, with the conservation supervision of the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of the City of Belgrade and the implementation of the highest technical and conservation standards.
The restoration of the „Cross from Mala pijaca“ was preceded by a detailed review of the existing condition and analysis of the immediate environment, in order to apply appropriate methods, technology and techniques for its temporary relocation. It is noted that on the front and back sides there used to be plaques with inscriptions, which are no longer there, and which will be reconstructed during the restoration of the monument to its original state. The decorative metal fence around the Cross will also be restored to its original state.
After the reconstruction of Bristol Park is completed, the monument will be returned to its identical location in Bristol Park and restored, and the new footpath leading to the Cross will emphasize its historical significance. With this project, Belgrade Waterfront again confirms its commitment to preserving the cultural identity of the city, by investing in infrastructure, public realm and heritage that connects the past with the future.
