Yekatit 12 monument

The Yekatit 12 monument is a white stone obelisk standing at a city roundabout with bronze reliefs depicting scenes of resistance etched into its surfaces. The structure sits on a raised platform accessible by wide steps from multiple directions, making it visible from the surrounding streets.

The monument was inaugurated in 1955 to commemorate violent reprisals that followed an assassination attempt against an Italian official during the occupation. This marked a turning point in how the nation chose to honor its independence and resilience.

The bronze reliefs show scenes of resistance and suffering that remain central to how the city remembers this period of its history. Visitors gather here especially during commemorative occasions to honor those events together.

The obelisk is easy to spot from the street and simple to approach thanks to the wide steps that allow access from multiple directions. The surrounding area is open enough that visitors can view and photograph the monument from many angles.

The monument still displays its original Lion of Judah relief, a symbol that was removed from most other sites in the country after 1974. This makes it one of the few places where visitors can see this particular emblem still in place.

Location: Addis Ababa

Inception: 1955

Creator: Antun Augustinčić

Height: 2,800 cm

GPS coordinates: 9.04385,38.76122

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:09