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Menelik II Monument

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Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)

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The Menelik II Monument is a grand bronze equestrian statue located in the heart of Addis Ababa, honoring Emperor Menelik II, one of the most revered figures in Ethiopian history. He is widely celebrated for his victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where his forces decisively defeated the Italian army, ensuring Ethiopia remained uncolonized. The monument was unveiled in 1930 by Emperor Haile Selassie as part of his coronation celebrations. It stands at Menelik II Square, close to St. George's Cathedral, which the Emperor himself founded. The statue depicts the Emperor in traditional royal and warrior attire upon his horse, symbolizing the leadership and military prowess that unified the nation. During the Italian occupation from 1936 to 1941, the statue was removed by the fascists but was restored to its original pedestal immediately after the liberation. Today, it serves as a major focal point for national celebrations and a symbol of Pan-African pride.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151718181818161616141414
Rain mm1227569089116239246145341613

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Menelik II Monument is a public equestrian statue on a square in Addis Ababa. It is freely accessible anytime and visible from all sides.
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Typical hours
As an open square, there are no opening hours. The best light for photos is in the morning.
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Photography
Photography of the monument is unrestricted. Watch out for traffic when crossing the street for a better angle.
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Time needed
A short visit suffices to view the statue from different angles. Allow about 15 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby St. George's Cathedral or the National Palace. The Mercato market is also close.
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Getting there
The statue stands at Menelik II Square in central Addis Ababa. It is reachable by taxi or on foot from the city center.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument as part of a city walk. Learn about the history of the Battle of Adwa for context.

Geography

Coordinates
9.03000, 38.75200

Facts

  • Unveiled in 1930 by Emperor Haile Selassie during his coronation.
  • Honors Emperor Menelik II, the victor of the 1896 Battle of Adwa.
  • Located at Menelik II Square in the historic center of the city.
  • The statue was removed by Italian forces in 1936 and restored in 1941.
  • Designed and cast in bronze by the German artist Hartel.
  • Menelik II is credited with founding Addis Ababa as the capital in 1886.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Abune Petros MonumentAbune Petros Monument<1 km · SExplore →
National Museum of EthiopiaNational Museum of Ethiopia1 km · NEExplore →
Addis Ababa StadiumAddis Ababa Stadium2 km · WExplore →
BGI Ethiopia BreweryBGI Ethiopia Brewery3 km · WExplore →
Medhane Alem CathedralMedhane Alem Cathedral5 km · NWExplore →
Gullele Botanical GardenGullele Botanical Garden5 km · SEExplore →
Huajian Shoe FactoryHuajian Shoe Factory6 km · WExplore →
Yeka Nature ParkYeka Nature Park8 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Menelik II Monument (1)

Tewodros Square | teewoderose 'adabaabaaye🏺 historical

The square features a cannon monument commemorating Emperor Tewodros II.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who does the statue represent?
It represents Emperor Menelik II, who led Ethiopia to victory in the Battle of Adwa against Italy.
Where is the equestrian statue located?
It stands in Piazza square in central Addis Ababa, near St. George's Cathedral.
When was the monument erected?
It was unveiled in 1930 for the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie.
What significance does the location hold for locals?
It is a national symbol of independence and pride, especially celebrated on Adwa Day.
Can you photograph the statue up close?
Yes, it stands in a public square and is a popular subject for photography.
Menelik II Monument: where is it located?
Menelik II Monument is located in Ethiopia.
Menelik II Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Menelik II Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Menelik II Monument is a grand bronze equestrian statue located in the heart of Addis Ababa, honoring Emperor Menelik II, one of the most revered figures in Ethiopian history.
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Nearby cities

Addis Ababa — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa
The capital and largest city of Ethiopia, and the headquarters of the African Union.

History & landmarks

Abune Petros Monument — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Abune Petros Monument
A statue commemorating Archbishop Abune Petros, an Ethiopian patriot executed during the Italian occupation.
St. George&#39;s Cathedral — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral
An octagonal church in Addis Ababa, noted for its distinct architectural style and historical significance.
Tiglachin Monument — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Tiglachin Monument
A prominent memorial dedicated to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War.
Meyazia 27 Monument — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Meyazia 27 Monument
A historic monument in Addis Ababa commemorating the liberation of Ethiopia from Italian occupation.
National Museum of Ethiopia — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
National Museum of Ethiopia
A prominent museum housing important historical artifacts, including the famous hominid fossil 'Lucy'.
CBE Headquarters — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
CBE Headquarters
The tallest building in Ethiopia, serving as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Yekatit 12 Monument — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Yekatit 12 Monument
A monument honoring the victims of the Graziani massacre during the Italian occupation of Addis Ababa.
Holy Trinity Cathedral — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A highly ornate Orthodox cathedral that serves as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Nature

Akaki River — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Akaki River
A small river near Addis Ababa.

More places

St. George&#39;s Cathedral (Addis Ababa) — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)
An octagonal church commissioned by Emperor Menelik II in 1896 to commemorate the victory at Adwa against the Italians.
Addis Lion Zoo — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
Unity Park Addis — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Unity Park Addis
A large theme park on the grounds of the Imperial Palace with a zoo and museums.
Friendship Square — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Friendship Square
A modern public square with gardens, water features, and recreation zones.
Menelik II&#39;s Imperial Palace — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
🗺️
Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.
Gullele Botanical Garden — Menelik II Monument (Ethiopia)
Gullele Botanical Garden
A vast area for the conservation of Ethiopian flora with hiking trails.