Categories: Monuments speak

MONUMENT ON TREBJESA, Nikšić, Montenegro

The monument on Trebjesa, built on the outskirts of the town of Nikšić, commemorates partisan fighters who died in the fight against the occupiers of the Axis Powers during the People's Liberation Movemnet (World War II). It is also a place where tribute is paid to 32 partisan soldiers and anti-fascist fighters who were executed in Trebjesa, where the Monument is located. Trebjesa Hill and the protected forest park around it with their enchanting power, as the habitat of this monument, together created an attractive destination, much appreciated by locals and many visitors.

After Tito's death (in May 1980), local veterans' associations initiated the construction of a memorial complex. The government commission awarded a design presented by local Nikšić sculptor Ljubo Vojvodić, an artist who created several memorial sculptures around the municipalities of Nikšić and Danilovgrad during the late 1970s. and the '80s. The entire memorial complex was officially opened to the public on September 17, 1987, during the commemoration of the 43rd anniversary of the anti-fascist movement for the liberation of Niksic.

This monumental building, due to its 20 meters high and pure concrete with an ornamental disc, with a diameter of about 3m, is an incredibly inspiring and recognizable meeting place. Not only is it one of the most impressive monuments dedicated to the Second World War in Montenegro, but it is also a place for daily visits and rest due to its location in the center of an urban park. On important dates related to the history of Nikšić and Montenegro, anti-fascist movements, and especially the Association of People's Liberation War Fighters, lay a wreath at the monument, remembering the fallen partisans and fighters.

Among the killed partisans, the personal history and narrative of Čedomir - Ljubo Čupić stands out as an example of a story to remember. He was born in the United States as a child of Montenegrin working-class immigrants, but returned to Montenegro in 1930 to study at university. He joined the partisan resistance movement in 1941 and soon became the commissioner of the partisan unit in Niksic, before being captured by Chetniks in April 1942 and then executed by Italian soldiers. He stood with his hands tied in front of the firing squad, but with a smile on his face - a defiant smile before the shooting that was photographed by Italian photographer Karl Ravnic. Thus, Ljubo Cupic was shot in 1942, but never killed. He became a legend that still amazes the world today.

The monument on Trebjesa, with its artistic design, combines different shapes, such as stone plaques with 32 carved names, a stone circle on a 20m high pillar and an enchanting, black stone slab at the base of the monument, creating a strong and harmonious whole capable of carrying the legacy of the past. The phenomenon of smiling partisan fighters previously executed by the occupiers hints at a new life, which essentially symbolizes this monument, designed by the architect Vojvodić.