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Meskel Square

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Landmark
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Meskel Square (Ethiopia)

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Meskel Square is the pulsating heart of Addis Ababa, serving as a central venue for public gatherings, political rallies, and religious celebrations. Its name is derived from the Meskel festival, which commemorates the finding of the True Cross and attracts hundreds of thousands of believers every September 27. During the Derg regime's rule in the 1970s and 1980s, the square was renamed 'Abiyot Square' (Revolution Square) and used for massive military parades. Today, it is a symbol of the city's modern development and serves as the starting and finishing point for major sporting events like the Great Ethiopian Run. The wide, terraced design allows for a high capacity of spectators, making it one of the most recognizable urban spaces in East Africa. Surrounded by important institutions and monuments, including the Red Terror Museum, the square remains a deeply rooted cultural reference point for Ethiopian identity and unity despite constant infrastructure modernization.

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 square is a public space and accessible at any time. During the Meskel festival it is especially lively.
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Typical hours
As an open square, there are no opening hours. Visits are possible at any time.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the square. Especially great shots can be taken during the Meskel festival with celebrations.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 30 minutes. If you want to observe the activity, you can stay longer.
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Combine with
Combine with the nearby National Museum of Ethiopia. The Holy Trinity Cathedral is also a short walk away.
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Getting there
The square is in central Addis Ababa at the intersection of major roads. It is easily reachable on foot or by taxi.
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Insider tip
Visit the square during the September Meskel festival for a unique experience. On regular days it's a good spot to observe city life.

Geography

Coordinates
9.01000, 38.76200

Facts

  • The square is the primary location for the annual Meskel festival in September.
  • During the military junta era, the site was officially named Abiyot Square.
  • The vast area has a capacity for hundreds of thousands during large events.
  • The square is situated at the junction of Addis Ababa's two light rail lines.
  • The Red Terror Museum is located at the southeastern corner of the square.
  • It hosts the annual start of the Great Ethiopian Run with 45,000 runners.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial MuseumRed Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum<1 km · SExplore →
Unity Park AddisUnity Park Addis2 km · EExplore →
Addis AbabaAddis Ababa2 km · SEExplore →
BGI Ethiopia BreweryBGI Ethiopia Brewery2 km · SWExplore →
Medhane Alem CathedralMedhane Alem Cathedral3 km · NWExplore →
Huajian Shoe FactoryHuajian Shoe Factory5 km · WExplore →
Yeka Nature ParkYeka Nature Park7 km · NExplore →
Gullele Botanical GardenGullele Botanical Garden7 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Meskel Square (2)

Dedebi📍 landmark

An urban attraction that enriches the bustling atmosphere around Meskel Square.

"Red Terror" Martyrs' Memorial Museum🏛 museum

The museum commemorates the victims of the Derg regime through photographs and artifacts.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-18:30

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Meskel Square?
It is the central square in Addis Ababa for large gatherings, parades, and religious festivals.
What major festival takes place here?
The Meskel festival in September, celebrating the Finding of the True Cross, is the most important event.
Can one exercise there?
Yes, early in the morning many locals use the square's steps for running and exercising.
Are there museums directly at the square?
Yes, the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum is located right on one side of the square.
How is the transport connection?
The square is a major transport hub with access to the light rail and many bus lines.
Meskel Square: where is it located?
Meskel Square is located in Ethiopia.
Meskel Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Dedebi, "Red Terror" Martyrs' Memorial Museum.
Meskel Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Meskel Square: why is it worth visiting?
Meskel Square is the pulsating heart of Addis Ababa, serving as a central venue for public gatherings, political rallies, and religious celebrations.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Addis Ababa — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa
The capital and largest city of Ethiopia, and the headquarters of the African Union.

History & landmarks

Red Terror Martyrs&#39; Memorial Museum — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
A museum dedicated to the victims of the Derg regime's Red Terror campaign in the late 1970s.
Jubilee Palace — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Jubilee Palace
Built to mark Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee, it now serves as the official residence of the President.
Addis Ababa Stadium — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa Stadium
A multi-purpose stadium in the heart of Addis Ababa, serving as a major venue for football matches and athletic events.
Adey Abeba Stadium — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Adey Abeba Stadium
A modern, large-capacity stadium constructed to host major international sporting events in Ethiopia.
CBE Headquarters — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
CBE Headquarters
The tallest building in Ethiopia, serving as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Tiglachin Monument — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Tiglachin Monument
A prominent memorial dedicated to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War.
Holy Trinity Cathedral — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A highly ornate Orthodox cathedral that serves as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Menelik II Monument — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Menelik II Monument
An equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II, celebrating his victory at the Battle of Adwa.

Nature

Akaki River — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Akaki River
A small river near Addis Ababa.

More places

🗺️
Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
Menelik II&#39;s Imperial Palace — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
Friendship Square — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Friendship Square
A modern public square with gardens, water features, and recreation zones.
Unity Park Addis — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Unity Park Addis
A large theme park on the grounds of the Imperial Palace with a zoo and museums.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.
Addis Lion Zoo — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
St. George&#39;s Cathedral (Addis Ababa) — Meskel Square (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.
Huajian Shoe Factory — Meskel Square (Ethiopia)
Huajian Shoe Factory
A large factory by a Chinese manufacturer producing millions of shoes for export to Europe and America.