Rousakis Plaza in Savannah — Live Webcam

Where Rousakis Plaza Is Located

Rousakis Riverfront Plaza is located in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia, USA. It is a half-mile pedestrian esplanade approximately 800 meters long, stretching along the southern bank of the Savannah River. River Street, where the plaza is situated, extends for 2 miles (3.2 km) — from the confluence of North and East Lathrop Avenues in the west to East Bay Street in the east. This is one of the city's main tourist spaces, featuring restaurants, cafés, and craft shops.

History of the Plaza and Riverfront

The plaza is named after John P. Rousakis — mayor of Savannah who served a record 4 terms from 1970 to 1992 (22 years). The plaza was dedicated to him in 1997. It was under Rousakis that the large-scale transformation of the riverfront began. The reconstruction of River Street took over 10 years — from 1975 to 1979, the formerly abandoned riverbank was turned into a modern public space. The reopening of the renovated riverfront took place in June 1977.

Mayor Rousakis played a key role in reviving Savannah's port economy. Research by Charles Herty in the 1930s on processing pulp and paper industry waste led to the opening of the first paper mill in 1935, which revitalized port trade in the region.

Echo Square — Savannah's Acoustic Phenomenon

Rousakis Plaza is known as "Echo Square" — the unique acoustics of the space create a strange, unexplained echo effect that attracts tourists. Sound waves reflect off the stone walls of historic buildings and the cobblestone pavement, creating an unusual acoustic phenomenon that still has no precise scientific explanation.

Architecture and Riverfront Paving

The red surface of Rousakis Plaza is red brick paving, laid in open areas and alternating with intimate sections featuring elevation changes, low seating walls, and flower beds with trees and shrubs. The cobblestones of River Street are made from stones from around the world — originally, these stones served as ballast on European trading ships in the 18th–19th centuries. After being unloaded at the port of Savannah, the stone was used to pave the street.

Rows of street lamps and decorative railings are installed along the riverfront. Green lawns, palm trees, and trees create shaded areas for relaxation. The multi-story buildings along the riverfront are former cotton warehouses and commodity exchanges converted into hotels, restaurants, and shops.

World War II Memorial

On the riverfront stands the World War II Memorial (2010), created by local architect Eric Meyerhoff. The composition includes two hemispheres symbolizing the two main theaters of military operations — Europe/Africa and Asia/Pacific. It is a tribute to veterans from across the region who fought on different continents.

Connection to the Port of Savannah

Rousakis Plaza is located on the site of the original port of Savannah, where the colony of Georgia was founded in 1733. The plaza gives visitors a direct view of massive cargo ships passing along the Savannah River to the modern port. In the distance, industrial port facilities with cranes, warehouse buildings, and vessels are visible. The Port of Savannah remains one of the largest container ports on the East Coast of the United States.

What to See Near the Plaza

River Street is not just Rousakis Plaza. Within walking distance are numerous attractions in Savannah's historic district: Forsyth Park with its famous fountain, Bonaventure Cemetery with 19th-century tombstones, the Mary Margaret Richardson House Museum (author of "The Colonel's Cat"), as well as numerous squares and parks scattered throughout the historic city center.

How to Get to the Plaza on the Riverfront

You can reach Rousakis Plaza on foot from Savannah's historic center — by descending one of the stone staircases from Bay Street down to the riverfront level. The free Savannah Belles Ferry also operates, connecting the riverfront with the Convention Center on the opposite bank of the river. For those who cannot visit Savannah in person, the live webcam allows you to see Rousakis Plaza in real time from anywhere in the world.

What You Can See on the Camera

The webcam broadcasts a view of Rousakis Plaza on the Savannah riverfront. In the frame is the wide Savannah River from the right bank. On the right side runs a long pedestrian riverfront with red brick paving, rows of street lamps, and decorative railings. Along the riverfront are green lawns, palm trees, trees, and multi-story buildings. On the left bank is dense vegetation and natural thickets. In the distance, industrial port facilities with cranes, warehouse buildings, and vessels are visible. The riverfront is part of the city park and public space with pedestrian walkways. The camera operates in live broadcast mode, allowing you to observe life on the riverfront in real time.