Čukur Fountain

A Symbol of Suffering and Freedom

On this spot, on 3 June 1862, an incident took place that changed the course of Serbian history. The Serbian apprentice Sava Petković was mortally wounded by a Turkish soldier while drawing water. This event was the pretext for major clashes and the bombardment of Belgrade, which ultimately led to the complete liberation of Serbian towns from Turkish rule.

The bronze monument, erected in 1931, is the work of the distinguished sculptor Simeon Roksandić. The sculpture depicts a naked boy lying on a marble pedestal beside a broken jug, symbolising innocent sacrifice and interrupted youth.

The Benefaction of Toma Vanđel

Although the state had long planned to mark this place, the funds for erecting the monument were provided by the will of the great benefactor, the tobacco merchant Toma Vanđel. The making and installation of this work of art were financed from his fund (“Toma and Jela Vanđel Endowment”), through which Vanđel once again showed his love for the fatherland.