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Abune Petros Monument
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Landmark
The Abune Petros Monument in Addis Ababa is a deeply revered site dedicated to Abune Petros, a bishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and a prominent national martyr. During the Italian occupation of Ethiopia in the 1930s, Abune Petros refused to submit to the invaders or to excommunicate the Ethiopian patriots fighting in the resistance. For his steadfast defiance and refusal to recognize Italian rule, he was executed by firing squad on July 29, 1936, in the Piazza district of the city. The statue depicts the bishop in his full clerical robes, holding a hand cross and standing with quiet dignity at the site of his execution. The original monument was temporarily removed during the construction of the Addis Ababa Light Rail but was later restored to its historic location on an elevated pedestal. Today, the monument serves as an enduring symbol of religious conviction, national integrity, and the courage to stand against tyranny even at the cost of one's life.
- Location: Ethiopia
- Top sights: Fekat circus artists association · Alliance Ethio Frances አሊያንስ ኢትዮ ፍራንሴስ የባሕል ማዕከል
- Nearby: Bishoftu (36 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 12 | 27 | 56 | 90 | 89 | 116 | 239 | 246 | 145 | 34 | 16 | 13 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Abune Petros Monument is a public outdoor monument, visitable anytime free of charge. It is a statue on a pedestal, accessible from all sides.
Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, there are no fixed opening hours; it is accessible around the clock. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Photography
Photography of the statue is allowed anytime as it is in public space. For a good photo, stand directly in front of the pedestal and use the sky as a backdrop.
Time needed
Visiting the statue and reading the commemorative plaque takes about 10 to 15 minutes. To enjoy the surroundings and the view of the city, allow 20 minutes.
Combine with
The monument is located in Addis Ababa, near the National Palace and Menelik Square. Combine it with a visit to the Ethiopian National Museum or the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Getting there
The monument is easily reachable by taxi or minibus (Bajaj) as it is in central Addis Ababa. The exact address is known to most drivers.
Insider tip
Read the information panel on the pedestal to learn more about Abune Petros's history. Visit the monument early in the morning when it is still quiet and the air is clear.
Geography
Facts
- Honors Abune Petros, a bishop and martyr of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
- He was executed by Italian occupation forces on July 29, 1936.
- The monument is located in the Piazza district, at the site of his execution.
- Petros refused to excommunicate members of the Ethiopian resistance.
- The original statue was erected shortly after Ethiopia's liberation in 1941.
- The site was temporarily closed for light rail construction and reopened in 2016.
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Sights in the town Abune Petros Monument (2)
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Abune Petros?
He was an Ethiopian bishop executed by the Italian occupiers for refusing to recognize their authority.
Where exactly is the monument located?
It is located in the Piazza area of Addis Ababa, near the City Hall.
Why is this martyr so important?
He is regarded as a symbol of unwavering resistance and religious courage.
Has the statue ever been moved?
Yes, it was temporarily removed for light rail construction and later returned to its place.
What is the atmosphere like at the square?
It is a very busy area with lots of traffic, typical of the city's historical center.
Abune Petros Monument: where is it located?
Abune Petros Monument is located in Ethiopia.
Abune Petros Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fekat circus artists association, Alliance Ethio Frances አሊያንስ ኢትዮ ፍራንሴስ የባሕል ማዕከል.
Abune Petros Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Abune Petros Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Abune Petros Monument in Addis Ababa is a deeply revered site dedicated to Abune Petros, a bishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and a prominent national martyr.
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