Federation Square is one of Melbourne's favourite meeting places and a venue for cultural and community events in the heart of the city. It is a true complete neighbourhood bounded by the Yarra River on one side and Flinders Street, Swenson Street and Russell Street on the other three, covering an area of approximately 40,000 square metres. Around the perimeter of the square are a variety of galleries, cinemas, museums, cafes, bars and restaurants. And at the centre of it all are two main public gathering spaces: one, the Atrium, is located under a roof, the other is open-air. The Amphitheatre has a seating capacity of 35,000 people. Interestingly, railway tracks run underneath the square, bringing trains to Flinders Street Station nearby. The square offers stunning views of the south bank of the Yarra River and the parks there.
It must be said that the site where Federation Square stands today has always played a prominent role in Melbourne's history: at various times it was home to a depot, the Princess Bridge railway station, and a mosque. It was only in 1997 that it was decided to redevelop this vast space between the city centre and the river, resulting in the current complex of buildings and public spaces that has always attracted residents and tourists. All the buildings of the square have an irregular shape - the planners called them "shards", and this name has stuck and is still used today. Federation Square was officially opened in 2002. Every year about a thousand different events are held here, attended by over 8 million people! It is Victoria's second most popular tourist attraction.
